MILAN — Alysa Liu celebrated her recent victory in the women’s figure skating final by joining Japanese competitor Ami Nakai in jubilant camaraderie, despite having bested her for the gold medal. The two shared a warm moment of joy, jumping in celebration together, exemplifying the new spirit of friendship that is emerging in the competitive world of figure skating. Meanwhile, silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto, initially overwhelmed by her disappointment, found solace and support from her rivals, showcasing the shift towards a more congenial atmosphere in the sport.
Amber Glenn, Liu’s teammate who finished fifth, expressed pride in Liu’s achievement, emphasizing the significant impact this generation of skaters could have on the future of figure skating. “This is going to change the future of figure skating,” Glenn recalled telling Liu, emphasizing a more supportive and less combative approach among competitors.
Gone are the tense rivalries of the past decade, replaced by a sense of community and encouragement among skaters. “We are more social, we’re closer and we push each other in a friendly way,” Glenn stated, highlighting how practices now often sound more like applause than the cold competition of yesteryear. Liu, for example, was seen clapping for Sakamoto as she finished her routine, while Sakamoto offered assistance to younger skaters on competition preparation.
The transformation in the sport is palpable, particularly following a turbulent period characterized by the pressures of rivalries and the overwhelming dominance of Russian skaters. The atmosphere has notably lightened since the Russian contingent faced a ban following the 2022 Beijing Games, fostering a friendlier environment where skaters from different countries can bond over their shared passion.
American officials have actively worked to diminish rivalries amid their athletes. Camps began during the pandemic to provide opportunities for elite skaters to train together collaboratively. This cultivated a spirit of warmth and support among the current generation, contrary to the cutthroat atmosphere experienced by previous competitors. Ellie Kam, an American pairs skater, reflected on this, noting how, rather than feeling pressure, the experience fostered camaraderie.
While this sense of friendship is becoming more common in singles skating, it is noted that not all disciplines, such as ice dance, have witnessed the same shift, as elite athletes often find themselves embroiled in tensions and judgments that persist. Brian Boitano, an Olympic champion, recounted how the drive to win once made friendship elusive among competitors.
As the sport continues to evolve, skaters now benefit from new opportunities for financial support and sponsorships, allowing them to envision careers beyond the ice. Instances of public rivalries that once defined the sport are shifting, showcasing a positive and inclusive environment where performances are celebrated collectively.
Throughout the competition, the athletes, including Liu and her fellow competitors, embraced the shared joy of skating, as they watched and cheered each other on. Instead of viewing performances as opportunities to outdo one another, today’s skaters are fostering bonds that transcend rivalry, bringing a refreshing sense of hope to the world of figure skating.