Figure Skating: Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Highlights and Technical Standards
London, 19 February 2026 – As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics reach their final stages, figure skating remains the centre of global attention. The competition at the Milano Ice Skating Arena has been defined by historic firsts, unexpected upsets for seasoned favourites, and intense scrutiny regarding the International Skating Union (ISU) judging system. With the final Gala scheduled for 21 February 2026, the skating world is reflecting on a week of high-calibre performances and technical evolution.
Olympic Results and Recent Developments
The men’s individual event concluded with a significant shock as the pre-tournament favourite, Ilia Malinin of the United States, failed to reach the podium following two falls in his routine. The gold medal was claimed by Mikhail Shaidorov. In the pairs competition, Japan’s Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi made history by capturing their nation’s first-ever Olympic title in the discipline, climbing from fifth place in the short program to secure gold.
The women’s event is currently reaching its climax. Japan’s Ami Nakai, the youngest competitor in the field, holds a narrow lead over teammate Kaori Sakamoto following the short program. Meanwhile, American skater Alysa Liu remains a top contender for a medal in today’s final. However, the competition has not been without controversy; American Amber Glenn saw her scores impacted by an “invalid element” ruling, and the ice dance results—where Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron took gold over Madison Chock and Evan Bates—have sparked significant debate regarding scoring subjectivity.
Technical Specifications and Sport Structure
Figure skating is a sophisticated winter sport requiring a blend of athletic power and artistic precision. Competitors perform jumps, spins, and intricate footwork on ice rinks that, per regulations established in 1980, must be entirely enclosed. The sport is governed by strict equipment standards and judging criteria to ensure safety and competitive fairness.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Thickness | Approximately 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) |
| Blade Features | Serrations at the front known as “toe picks” |
| Boot Material | Custom-fitted leather |
| Judging Components | Composition, Presentation, and Skating Skills |
| Minimum Age | 17 years (recently increased from 15 by the ISU) |
| Key Disciplines | Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the minimum age for skaters change?
The International Skating Union (ISU) raised the minimum age for senior competitors from 15 to 17 years. This decision was implemented to protect the physical and mental health of young athletes and to promote the longevity of skating careers, effectively ending the era of “child champions” at the Olympic level.
What is the difference between Ice Dance and Pairs skating?
While both involve two skaters, Pairs skating includes overhead lifts and side-by-side jumps and spins. Ice Dance is more focused on the rhythm, interpretation of music, and intricate footwork, with strict limitations on the height of lifts and the absence of multi-revolution jumps.
How is a performance evaluated?
Performances are assessed by a panel of judges based on three primary Program Components: Composition, Presentation, and Skating Skills. Additionally, a technical panel identifies specific elements (jumps, spins, footwork) and assigns a base value, which is then adjusted by judges through a Grade of Execution (GOE) score.