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Following the initial ice dance event, Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson have secured a comfortable fourth-place position.

During a discussion about Monday's events, former Olympic figure skating champion Robin Cousins shared his insights on what Fear and Gibson need to achieve in order to secure an ice dance medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

After a brief moment of consideration, Cousins provided a straightforward response: "Flawlessness is essential for them."

As the first British duo since Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean in 1994 to have a chance at winning an Olympic figure skating medal, Fear and Gibson are currently in fourth place after completing the rhythm dance.

In the initial segment of the ice dance competition at Milan-Cortina, the pair performed their popular Spice Girls medley, although they were unable to match the season-best score they achieved in the team event three days prior.

At one point during the performance, Fear, 26, momentarily lost her balance, but she and her partner were able to recover effectively, maintaining their position as contenders for a podium finish.

With a score of 84.57 points, Fear and Gibson are 0.71 points behind the Canadian duo Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who are in third place, going into the free dance on Wednesday, when the medals will be determined.

The gold and silver medals are likely out of reach, with France's Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron leading with a score of 90.18, and world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the US in second place with a score of 89.72.

However, the bronze medal remains a feasible goal for Fear and Gibson.

The British figure skating duo, affectionately known as the 'Disco Brits,' have garnered significant attention and admiration, as seen at the European Championships in Sheffield last month.

Fans had the opportunity to take photos with a cut-out of Fear and Gibson's bodies, further highlighting their popularity.

The official Instagram account of the Spice Girls even applauded their routine, demonstrating the duo's broad appeal.

It was also noted that the last time the European Figure Skating Championships were held in Sheffield in 2012, Fear was a flower girl, underscoring the progression of her career.

Despite the excitement surrounding them, the reality is that in such a competitive field, even the slightest error can be costly, and Fear and Gibson must be mindful of this as they strive for a medal.

At the Sheffield event, Fear and Gibson won the bronze medal, but it could have been a higher placement if not for a minor slip by Gibson during the synchronised twizzles in their free routine.

A day-by-day guide to the Winter Olympics is available for those looking to stay up-to-date with the events.

The full schedule, including the timing of medal events, can be accessed for planning purposes.

The Winter Olympics 2026 medal table will be updated regularly to reflect the latest standings.

Fear and Gibson have gained a significant following due to their entertaining routines, which have resonated with the audience.

The duo has consistently demonstrated their ability to overcome challenges and push through difficulties.

Their partnership is unique, as many ice dance couples begin competing together at a much younger age, often in their early teens.

Fear and the 31-year-old Gibson first began training together in Montreal in 2016, with Fear having a background in junior ice dance and Gibson being relatively new to the discipline, having started skating at the age of 11 and transitioning to ice dance at 21.

According to Cousins, the differences between Fear and Gibson's background and those of their competitors are actually a significant strength for the duo.

"The fact that they didn't have a history together, unlike some of the other couples, worked in their favour," Cousins, the 1980 men's figure skating gold medallist, explained to BBC Sport.

"Their late start allowed them to find a distinct niche in their performance style, which has captivated audiences and set them apart from their competitors."

"Achieving technical proficiency takes time, and Fear and Gibson have had to work diligently to hone their skills, given their relatively late start in the discipline."

"Their potential is substantial, and if I were to offer them advice, it would be to focus on their own performance and not be distracted by external expectations," Cousins added.

Fear and Gibson have become crowd favourites due to their confidence and flamboyant costumes.

The uniqueness of their routines is a key aspect of their appeal, with their performances showcasing a distinct blend of style and technical skill.

In addition to their Spice Girls medley, the duo's free programme features a tribute to Gibson's Scottish heritage, incorporating songs such as The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, Auld Lang Syne, and The Proclaimers' hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), for which they collaborated with highland dance experts to perfect the choreography.

"Our musical choices are crowd-pleasers," Fear said, explaining the rationale behind their selections.

The duo is not afraid to challenge conventions, both on and off the ice, with Gibson having spoken out in favour of allowing same-sex partnerships in international competitions.

Gibson's comments at the European Championships added his voice to a growing movement advocating for change in the sport.

Since finishing 10th at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, Fear and Gibson have made significant strides, winning Great Britain's first World Championship medal in over 40 years, achieving a top ranking by the ISU after the 2024-25 season, and securing continental medals at every opportunity.

As they prepare for the free dance on Wednesday, the hope is that they will deliver their best performance when it matters most.

"Their confidence is impressive, and it's not arrogance – it's a genuine belief in their abilities," Cousins observed.

"While their visibility is great, what's even more remarkable is the dedication and hard work they've put in over the past few years; all we can hope for is that they're satisfied with their performance, regardless of the judges' decisions."

"There's a chance they could win a medal, but they need to focus on delivering their best performance and hope that it's enough," Cousins added.