Meet “Old Soul” Corey Circelli, Hanyu’s Former Training Partner Reviving Figure Skating Classics
The Italian figure skater Corey Circelli is on a mission: to breathe life into what he calls the “dying art” of classical music in figure skating. Alongside his best friend and fellow skater Nikolaj Memola, Circelli is spearheading a project to create “The Figure Skating Bible,” a resource aimed at guiding athletes for competitions, especially as they head into the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Circelli shared his sentiment, saying, “We’re old souls in a world rushing toward modern soundtracks. I want classical back on the ice.” This emphasis on revival in music coincides with the aesthetics they bring to their routines, gathered from years of experience and trained diligence.
With both skaters sharing a similar aesthetic—both in style and their deep appreciation of ballet—Circelli describes their bond, joking, “Today, we walked into training and realized we were wearing the same thing!” Despite their playful competition, there’s no animosity when it comes to selecting music. “We help each other out,” says Circelli. “It’s all collaborative.”
The stakes are high for Circelli, who dreams of representing his Italian heritage at the Olympics. Having a connection to his family’s sporting legacy—his parents were Olympians themselves—adds even more inspiration as he braces for his biggest stage yet.
Circelli, recognized for his elegance and skill, began his journey in ice dance, which shaped his unique performance style. “I want to represent that retro essence,” he noted, referencing the grace brought forth by skaters like Viktor Petrenko.
Drawing from his decade-long experience with Hanyu Yuzuru, Circelli witnessed firsthand the humble champion’s astonishing dedication, admitting Hanyu was an inspiration who made the toughest routines seem effortless.
In the friendship dynamics of Circelli and Memola, dubbed a “brotherhood,” they’re not just teammate competitors; they’re each other’s biggest supporters. As they march towards their Olympic dreams, one thing is crystal clear: Together, they’re redefining figure skating, one graceful spin at a time.
