Indian figure skater Tara Prasad has withdrawn from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics qualifiers in Beijing due to a back injury. The 25-year-old athlete cites health as a priority, seeking to safeguard her skating career after an eighth-place finish at the Asian Winter Games. She aims for a safe return to the ice soon.
In an exciting season for figure skating, Julia Sylvia Gunnarsdottir and Manuel Piazza emerge as Iceland's first pairs representatives in international competitions. Their unique performances, inspired by Game of Thrones, showcased daring lifts at the Road to 26 Trophy. As they aim to secure Olympic qualification, interest in pairs skating blossoms in Iceland.
Gian-Quen Isaacs, 20, aims to be South Africa’s first figure skater at the Winter Olympics since 1998, drawing inspiration from Olympic swimmer Chad le Clos. After overcoming past challenges, including health setbacks and societal doubts, Isaacs is focused on her Olympic dream as she looks towards the ISU Skate to Milano 2025.
Figure skating enthusiasts were treated to an inspiring practice at the Milano Figure Skating Qualifier 2025, as Olympic hopefuls Donovan Carrillo, Loena Hendrickx, and the USA duo of Audrey Shin and Balazs Nagy sought Olympic spots. Emotion ran high, with Carrillo recalling his historic debut while Nikki aims to end a 41-year Olympic absence for Team USA.
In a stunning turn at the ISU CS Lombardia Trophy 2025, Japan’s Sumiyoshi Rion clinched victory in Bergamo with a total score of 209.59, overtaking fellow Japanese skater Nakai Ami in second place. Reigning world champion Alysa Liu faltered to fourth amid boot issues. As excitement builds with the Milanocortina Olympics approaching, figure skating fans eagerly await Liu’s comeback later this season.
Ilia Malinin triumphed at the ISU CS Lombardia Trophy 2025, scoring 306.65 points, firmly establishing himself as a top contender ahead of the Olympic season. Despite not attempting his signature quadruple Axel, Malinin executed four quads in an impressive free skate. Kagiyama Yuma finished second with 285.91 points.