As the excitement builds ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina D’Ampezzo, Korean figure skating star Cha Jun-hwan has already begun his preparations. Arriving in Italy, Cha experienced a warm welcome reminiscent of an idol star, with fans eagerly anticipating his appearance. Following a lengthy 14-hour flight, he wasted no time and immediately engaged in official training.
On May 5, Cha underwent his first on-ice practice at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, meticulously preparing for the upcoming competition. During the 35-minute session, he worked through various elements of his short program, titled “Rain on Your Black Eyes,” and assessed the ice quality and rink dimensions. In remarks to domestic reporters, he noted that while the rink felt slightly narrow, he had trained in smaller arenas before and remained confident in his ability to adapt.
Cha expressed excitement about the Olympic atmosphere, stating, “I felt like the Olympics when I came to the stadium.” He is committed to ensuring he is in peak physical condition by the time the competition begins. Following this session, he plans to have another practice at the same rink later in the evening.
Cha Jun-hwan is set to commence his Winter Olympics journey in the men’s singles short program, part of the team event, scheduled for May 8. With a wealth of experience from competing in Pyeongchang in 2018 and Beijing in 2022, Cha is focused and ready to make his mark on this prestigious stage once again. His dedication and determination not only inspire his fans but also reflect the spirit of the Olympics, making the anticipation for his performance all the more thrilling.