With Game of Thrones-themed programs and fearless lifts, pairs figure skating has arrived in Iceland thanks to Julia Sylvia Gunnarsdottir and Manuel Piazza
Figure skating aficionados, you’re in for a treat as pairs skating finally makes its mark on Iceland through the remarkable duo of Julia Sylvia Gunnarsdottir and Manuel Piazza. This talented pair is not just setting records; they are igniting a revolution in a sport that has been absent from their homeland.
Debuting in November 2024, Gunnarsdottir and Piazza became the first pairs skaters to represent Iceland at an international level. Competing at the Road to 26 Trophy, a precursor event for the upcoming Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, they proudly clinched seventh place overall. Their sights are now set on securing an Olympic berth through the 2025 ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier, happening from September 18-21 in Beijing.
Speaking on their different backgrounds, Gunnarsdottir shared insights on the need to raise awareness about pairs skating back home. “People don’t know about pairs and ice dance,” she explained, hinting at a venture into possibly establishing a vibrant pairs skating scene in Iceland.
Training under coach Benjamin Naggiar, Gunnarsdottir transitioned from singles to pairs skating after witnessing this thrilling discipline in Italy. “I had never seen pairs skating before,” she admitted. “When I saw it live, I thought it looked so fun.” With Piazza in tow, the duo quickly integrated into this new dynamic, enhancing their skills and building camaraderie. “Skating together is so much more enjoyable than alone,” Piazza noted.
The advent of thematic performances is also noteworthy. Their programs, infused with music from Game of Thrones and West Side Story, represent a fresh take on their artistry, resonating with their growing fandom. While they train part-time in Italy, Gunnarsdottir and Piazza frequently return to Iceland for choreography and national camps.
Piazza noted the weather challenges in Iceland, ensuring it is a unique experience each trip, yet the breathtaking landscapes remain a highlight. “It’s a beautiful country,” he expresses, portraying admiration along with his struggle for fluency in Icelandic.
With ambitious goals ahead of them, Gunnarsdottir and Piazza embody the spirit of discovery— not just in the sport, but also within their beautiful homeland. Whether in the rink or exploring the stunning landscapes of Iceland, this dynamic duo is poised to reshape the narrative of figure skating.
