A Bold New Era for Skating: A Retrospective on the ISU 2024/25 Season Innovations

[victorskid]

A new article from the ISU

A Bold New Era for Skating: A Retrospective on the ISU 2024/25 Season Innovations

As the curtain closes on a successful 2024/25 skating season, the International Skating Union (ISU) celebrates a transformative year - one that opened a bold new chapter for the sport. Throughout the past season, a series of major innovations took center stage redefining how ice skating is...

www.isu.org

It refers to Figure Skating, Short Track, Speed Skating & Synchronized Skating.

"Next on the agenda: a pivotal ISU Extraordinary Congress on July 3, 2025, which will focus on the further modernization and a full revision of the ISU Constitution, aimed at accelerating the sport’s growth."

 

[On My Own]

Sometimes I really wonder if the ISU and I are watching the same things, although since 2022, "sometimes" has changed from "75% of the time" to "99% of the time".

I also remember when "calm zones" used to be like. Fish. Not walking, barking allergens. It sounds like owl cafes, where I am not sure how much of my coffee's going to be bird poop.

It is definitely very bold of them to assume all this led to an 'elevated' experience, or maybe it's to say that we're all supposed to be on drugs and 'ascend' while watching figure skating.

 

[overedge]

Getting very tired of "elevated"

How about some meaningful complaint processes, and penalties for abuse, instead of more flashing lights and LED screens at competitions?

 

[jägerbomb]

Getting very tired of "elevated"

How about some meaningful complaint processes, and penalties for abuse, instead of more flashing lights and LED screens at competitions?

I mean, it's way past time to elevate the in-person competition experience. Skating has been stuck in 1993, although with much less relevant sponsors and less budget. I think the elevated experience this season has been successful, although I do find the child sized curtain tacky.

Of course, your list of grievances are important, but multiple things can be true at the same time.

 

[overedge]

I mean, it's way past time to elevate the in-person competition experience. Skating has been stuck in 1993, although with much less relevant sponsors and less budget. I think the elevated experience this season has been successful, although I do find the child sized curtain tacky.

Of course, your list of grievances are important, but multiple things can be true at the same time.

"List of grievances" as in skaters being physically and mentally damaged, with lasting effects, but sure, you do you.

Flxing things costs money, and as you mention, the ISU has a limited budget. Keeping skaters safe at all levels of the sport should be a higher priority than flashy effects at elite competitions.