Milano Cortina 2026 Figure Skaters Reveal Their All-Time Favourite Olympic Programs
With the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on the horizon, figure skaters are reminiscing about the most iconic performances that have defined their sport. As athletes prepare to compete beginning February 6, they reflect on the programs that inspired them as children, steering them towards the rink.
Canadian pair Jamie Salé and David Pelletier delivered a mesmerizing performance to “Love Story” at Salt Lake City 2002, winning gold and igniting the passion of future skaters like Trennt Michaud. “That one for me is the reason why I’m a pairs skater,” Michaud exclaimed.
Meanwhile, men’s singles champion Alexei Yagudin’s masterful routines in Salt Lake City also resonated deeply. Skaters like Adam Siao Him Fa and Luka Berulava credit Yagudin’s dramatic performances of “Winter” and “The Man in the Iron Mask” as their inspirations, shaping their futures in Figure Skating.
Spaniard Javier Fernandez is remembered for his free skate to “Pirates of the Caribbean” in Vancouver 2010. Hungarian pairs skater Maria Pavlova recalls watching Fernandez as a kid, saying, “It was a nod to Javier Fernandez,” when she chose similar music for her performance.
Adding to the nostalgia, Japan’s Asada Mao captured the hearts of fans in Vancouver 2010 with her captivating skate to Rachmaninoff, influencing athletes like Madeline Schizas. “Her programs were some of my favorites ever,” Schizas said.
The dynamic duo of Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov made waves in Sochi 2014 with their dramatic performances. “For me, they are No.1 of all time in pairs skating,” Berulava noted, reflecting the lasting impact of their artistry.
In a memorable moment at PyeongChang 2018, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir’s emotional routine to “Moulin Rouge!” inspired countless skaters, showcasing emotional depth in their performances. “That was something I will remember forever,” said Minerva Fabienne Hase.
Lastly, Nathan Chen’s electrifying free skate at Beijing 2022 to medleys from “Rocketman” demonstrated the pinnacle of men’s singles skating. Fellow competitor Olga Mikutina expressed, “He is a benchmark for men’s singles skating.”
As ice dancers and pairs skaters prepare for Milano Cortina, the excitement for Olympic excellence grows, driven by the legacy of these unforgettable performances that have shaped their athletic journeys.
