In an exciting development for professional figure skating, *Julia Sylvia Gunnarsdottir* and *Manuel Piazza* have made history as the first pairs figure skaters to represent Iceland in international competitions. The duo, who teamed up in the summer of 2024, showcased their talents with an impressive debut at the *Road to 26 Trophy* in November 2024, setting the stage for their Olympic ambitions at the upcoming *Milano Cortina 2026* Games.
As they wrapped up their debut season with their competition in Italy, Gunnarsdottir and Piazza finished seventh overall. Their goal is to inspire a new generation of skaters in Iceland, where pairs skating has previously been virtually unknown. In a candid interview, Gunnarsdottir emphasized, “People don’t know about pairs and ice dance, and we don’t even have that many men, so definitely me going into pairs has opened the eyes of a lot of the younger skaters.” Piazza added, “We hope to get more Icelandic people involved in the sport and fall in love with it like we did.”
Growing up in Iceland, Gunnarsdottir was unfamiliar with pairs skating until she saw it for the first time in Italy, where her coach introduced her to this thrilling discipline. Fascinated by the lifts and the adrenaline that comes with them, she committed to transitioning from singles skating after testing her partnership with Piazza. Since joining forces, the duo has shown exceptional growth, despite the challenges of quickly mastering complex elements like triple twists.
Their short program features notable scores, including an intriguing theme selection from *Game of Thrones*, resonating with their Icelandic roots where parts of the series were filmed. Their free skate uses music from *West Side Story*, allowing them to blend storytelling and athletic prowess.
Training in both Iceland and *Ice Lab* in Bergamo, Italy, presents a unique dynamic for the pair. Gunnarsdottir finds joy in collaboration, stating, “The skating together, creating a program together, is so much more fun than by yourself.” Their friendship and seamless chemistry on the ice are evident as they continuously strive for improvement.
While facing the ever-challenging Icelandic weather, both skaters appreciate the beauty and distinct cultural experiences the country has to offer. Gunnarsdottir remains dedicated to her home, sharing cozy moments with guitar and literature, while Piazza expresses his admiration for Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes.
As they chart their course for future competitions, Gunnarsdottir and Piazza aim to not only leave their mark on the world of figure skating but to also pave the way for aspiring athletes in Iceland, turning a country previously devoid of pairs skating into a burgeoning hub of talent.
