Figure skating – Exclusive: Cha Junhwan banks on ‘more confidence’ ahead of third Olympics at Milano Cortina 2026, hopes third time will be the charm
It’s hard to believe that at 24, Cha Junhwan is gearing up for his third Olympic season. As the Republic of Korea’s shining star in figure skating, all eyes are on him as he aims to finally translate years of promise into tangible results come February in Italy.
In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, Cha reflects on his journey, stating, “During the last four years, I’ve learned a lot, with great moments and challenging times.” Born to skate, he expresses a renewed passion for the sport, saying, “I’m excited for the upcoming season because I’m skating more my way.” This shift signals a blossoming creativity that he believes will shine through on Olympic ice.
Having captured nine consecutive national championships and becoming the first Korean man to earn medals at world championships and Grand Prix events, Cha Junhwan holds an unmatched record. Yet, he faces the challenges of the competition as he navigated a mixed past season plagued by an ankle injury. Despite these setbacks—including a seventh-place finish at Worlds—he defended his national title and earned a gold at the Asian Games.
“I’ve taken away a lot of lessons from the previous season Francis forward,” he said, focusing on training and recovery as he prepares for the Olympic stage. Cha begins his campaign at the Cup of China, setting the foundation for a hopeful Olympic journey following victory in a Challenger Series event in Osaka.
As the buildup to Milano Cortina progress, Cha emphasizes the benefits of staying in East Asia for his upcoming competitions. With fewer obstacles to his training regiment, he feels more confident heading into the races. “It’s going to be physically tiring, but I believe it will be helpful as I love traveling within Asia,” he said.
Cha’s outlook is cautious but optimistic, acknowledging that nerves persist in such a high-caliber environment. He candidly admits that “having the experience helps, but every Olympics is new.” Primarily, his ultimate goal is not just standing on the podium—“enjoying the moment” remains a key personal aim as he prepares for a competition as special as the Olympics. Armed with experience and an appreciation for skating, Cha Junhwan is ready to take on the world once more.
