Kimmy Repond, a gifted figure skater from Basel, is gearing up for her Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. Competing alongside Swiss teammate Livia Kaiser, both skaters are eager to realize their Olympic dreams despite navigating injuries and challenges along the way.
The participation of Repond and Kaiser in the women’s singles figure skating events is a noteworthy milestone for Switzerland, marking the first time since 1984 that two Swiss skaters will compete in this category. The last athletes to achieve this feat were Sandra Cariboni and Myriam Oberwiler.
Repond’s path to the Olympics has been fraught with difficulties, including months of dealing with persistent foot pain that at one point led to the consideration of surgery. Fortunately, she received the proper diagnosis in time to train adequately for the Games. “If I’d had this operation in December, I don’t know if I’d be here now,” the 19-year-old reflected.
After an eight-month hiatus from competition, Repond made her return at the European Championships in January, where she secured a commendable 7th place finish. Expressing her relief and satisfaction with her performance, she indicated that her health has since improved significantly, allowing her to skate pain-free.
In recent competitions, she achieved notable standings including a bronze medal at the 2023 European Championships and a 5th place finish at the 2024 World Championships. Looking ahead, Repond aims to place within the top 10 in the Olympics, targeting flawless performances in both events.
Her teammate, Livia Kaiser, 21, has also demonstrated remarkable resilience on her journey to the Olympics. Last year, a significant injury sidelined her from competing in the European Championships, but she maintained a positive outlook during her recovery and ultimately earned her Olympic selection.
Kaiser has been refining her free skate program in preparation for Milan, adjusting it to incorporate elements from a routine that previously brought her a 4th place finish at the 2024 European Championships. This iterative approach instills confidence as she heads into the Games.
As they finalize their preparations, Repond opted to return to Basel for focused training, while Kaiser chose to stay in the Olympic village in Milan.
With the short program scheduled for Tuesday and the free skate for Thursday, both skaters are eager to showcase their skills and demonstrate the strength and perseverance that have brought them to this momentous occasion. The Olympics symbolize a significant opportunity for them to transcend their past challenges and shine on an international stage.