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Italy to Host 2026 Figure Skating Olympics

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. /italy-to-host-2026-figure-skating-olympics.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 19:21 GMT by NBC New York
      Locales: Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, ITALY

A Return to Italy: Setting the Stage

Italy has a rich history with figure skating, and the choice of Milano and Cortina d'Ampezzo as host cities is fitting. The venues are expected to provide a breathtaking backdrop for the performances, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Organizers are focused on creating an atmosphere that celebrates both athletic skill and artistic expression.

The Disciplines: A Spectrum of Skill

The Olympic figure skating program is comprised of five distinct events, each demanding a unique set of skills and attributes.

• Men's and Women's Singles: These events represent the foundational elements of the sport, testing a skater's technical mastery of jumps, spins, and footwork, alongside their artistic interpretation. The pressure on individual skaters is immense as they strive for both precision and elegance.
• Pairs Skating: This discipline requires a remarkable degree of synchronicity, trust, and athleticism. Pairs skaters perform challenging lifts, throws, and synchronized spins, demanding both individual strength and seamless teamwork.
• Ice Dance: Often described as figure skating's most expressive discipline, Ice Dance emphasizes intricate footwork, musicality, and storytelling. While jumps are not permitted, the artistry and precision of the footwork sequences are paramount.
• Team Event: Introduced to the Olympics in 2014, the Team Event has quickly become a fan favorite. It provides an opportunity for nations to compete across all four disciplines, fostering a spirit of national pride and offering a more dynamic competition format.

Detailed Competition Schedule The competition kicks off on February 11th with the short programs for the Team Event, spanning all disciplines. The Team Event concludes on February 12th with the free skate portions. Individual competition begins February 14th with the Women's Singles Short Program, continuing through February 21st. Here's a glimpse of the schedule:

• February 14th & 16th: Women's and Men's Singles Short Programs
• February 18th: Pairs Short Program
• February 20th: Ice Dance Short Program
• February 21st: A jam-packed day concluding with Women's and Men's Singles Free Skate, followed by Pairs and Ice Dance Free Skate.

(All times are approximate Eastern Time, and subject to change. Consult the official Milano Cortina 2026 website for the most current schedule.)

Decoding the Scoring: Beyond the Beautiful Spins

The scoring system in figure skating is notoriously complex, but understanding the basics enhances appreciation for the athletes' performances. Two primary components make up the final score:

• Technical Element Score (TES): This evaluates the difficulty and execution of each technical element, such as jumps, spins, step sequences, lifts, and throws. Each element has a base value, and judges assess the quality of execution, awarding Grade of Execution (GOE) points.
• Program Component Score (PCS): This assesses the artistic merit of the program, evaluating skating skills, transitions, performance, composition, and interpretation of the music. This portion is more subjective, relying on the judges' artistic assessment.

Deductions are applied for errors like falls, time violations, and costume malfunctions, impacting the final score. The system aims to balance technical difficulty with artistic expression, rewarding skaters who excel in both areas.

What to Watch For in 2026

Following the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, many established stars are continuing to train, while a new generation of skaters is emerging. Expect intense competition in all disciplines, with athletes pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the ice. The Team Event will likely be a particularly exciting battle, as nations vie for the coveted gold medal. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics promises a captivating display of skill, artistry, and athleticism in the world of figure skating.