Top Five Stories to Read in the Fall 2025 Issue of SKATING Magazine
The highly anticipated Fall 2025 issue of SKATING magazine has arrived in mailboxes, bringing a host of inspiring stories from the world of professional figure skating. Here are five highlights that every skating enthusiast shouldn’t miss.
A Legacy of Elegance and Perseverance: Chock and Bates Primed for Olympic Season
In a remarkable journey that spans over 15 years, the ice dance duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates continue to push boundaries as they enter the Olympic winter season with a new flamenco-inspired free dance. With six U.S. titles and three World golds to their credit, the married pair thrives not just on their previous accolades but on the desire to innovate on the ice. Their story reflects a powerful narrative of overcoming early career obstacles and injuries, making them role models in the skating community. As they gear up for their Olympic performances, fans can expect even bolder displays from these talented athletes.
Desert Storm: Kalnicky, Ice Denettes Heating Things up in Arizona
From an unfamiliarity with synchronized skating to establishing the Ice Denettes, Jaime Kalnicky’s journey is a beacon of inspiration. With 13 teams and about 150 skaters, her program is reshaping the Arizona skating scene. Despite challenges like the pandemic, Kalnicky has galvanized a community, instigating a grassroots movement that connects families and inspires young skaters, and proving that passion knows no geographic bounds.
The Olympic Dream: Malinin Taking it Month by Month
As a reigning two-time World champion, Ilia Malinin’s path is laden with expectations; however, he embraces a one-step-at-a-time philosophy. Recently finishing an unrivaled 2024-25 season highlighted by a groundbreaking performance, Malinin aims to execute an ambitious seven-quad layout for the upcoming Olympic season. While balancing the weight of high expectations and social media engagement, his calm approach and mentorship of emerging talent like Junior Grand Prix Final champion Jacob Sanchez showcase a new, holistic path to success.
Remembering Lynn Benson
The figure skating community mourns Lynn Benson, a luminary whose legacy endures even after her passing in August 2025 from Alzheimer’s disease. As the founder of the Haydenettes and an architect in synchronized skating, her influence reached far beyond titles. Benson’s talent for shaping athletes into impactful coaches ensured her the status of a true icon. Friends and family celebrate her contributions with heartfelt stories, perpetuating her inspiring spirit.
Earth, Wind and Fire: Hirano Takes Mother Nature Program to the Top
Koko Hirano showcased her captivating Mother Nature-themed program, clinching her second consecutive Parade of Champions title at the 2025 National Showcase. Using elements of nature in her performance set to “Clair de Lune,” she achieved a perfect score of 60.00, underscoring her magnificent artistry. Hirano’s victory embodies her journey, the unique experience of firing up the stage, and her passion for competition.
With stories like these in the Fall 2025 SKATING magazine, fans can stay engaged with the spirit, passion, and artistry of professional figure skating this season.
