Kimmy Repond and Livia Kaiser are set to represent Switzerland in women’s figure skating at the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan, marking a significant moment as it is the first time since 1984 that two Swiss women will compete in singles. As they prepare for their Olympic debut, both skaters have overcome significant challenges over the past year.
Nineteen-year-old Repond has faced a difficult road to recovery after enduring foot problems that kept her away from the ice for several months. At one point, surgery seemed inevitable. “If I’d had this operation in December, I don’t know if I’d be here now,” she shared just days before her first Olympic appearance. Fortunately, after finally identifying the cause of her pain, she felt a sense of relief and was able to make her comeback at the European Championships in Sheffield, where she finished in 7th place, her first outing since her injury.
Despite experiencing some pain post-European Championships, Repond has since recovered and feels her performance level has improved significantly. She fixed her sights on a top 10 finish at the Games, stating, “If I can skate two flawless programs, then my goal is the top 10.”
Kaiser, aged 21, also navigated her share of trials, having missed last year’s European Championships due to a serious injury sustained during training. The uncertainty over her Olympic selection loomed for some time. Despite the setbacks, Kaiser maintained a positive outlook during her training. “Knowing that it was enough was a great pleasure and also makes me proud,” she expressed. She showcased her skills at the recent European Championships, where she fell from 9th to 17th place in the free skate but took confidence in her previous program, which had earned her a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Championships.
In the lead-up to the Olympics, Repond and Kaiser have adopted different training routines. Repond chose to return to Basel for a final week of preparation, while Kaiser remained in the Olympic village to continue her training in Milan. The short program for both athletes is scheduled for Tuesday, followed by the free skate on Thursday.
This Olympic debut offers Repond and Kaiser a chance to shine on a global stage, allowing them to turn the page on a challenging year. With an eye on achieving personal goals and the eagerness to demonstrate their hard work, both skaters aim to leave a memorable mark on their Olympic journey.