After an exciting and long season of competitions both at home and around the world, skaters battle not only for the glory, but for who is ultimately going to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The ISU skate to Milano Olympic Qualifier in Beijing is, without a doubt, the most exciting and dramatic qualifier of 2025.
At the event, the athletes didn’t just perform for placement; they competed to secure their nation’s final spots in the Olympics in men’s, women’s, pairs, and ice dance disciplines. Along with pressure from themselves, they also face pressure from their country. With only a few places left, these athletes compete with the utmost precision (nbcolympics).
For many skaters, this was the climax of years of training. In men’s singles, Petr Gumenik from Russia topped the field with a technical and artistic performance that included multiple quadruple jumps, earning well-deserved Olympic qualification. If you plan on watching it, he will definitely stand out on the ice.
Other skaters from nations including Mexico, South Korea, Ukraine, and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) also claimed their spots by earning the top positions and adding to the list of countries that can participate at the Games (isuskating).
Kaila, a junior, remarked, “As a dancer, I can relate to the effort and passion it takes to reach that level. It’s beautiful to see their life’s work pay off.”
Mrs. Li-McGurrin, Ramapo Chinese teacher, comments, “I watched the Winter Olympics a few times; it’s always exciting to see which players get to represent their country!” Being a language teacher, Mrs. Li-McGurrin is not unfamiliar with different countries and cultures. With an event as big as this, viewers can see so many different backgrounds come together for a common goal.
This competition came after earlier opportunities, such as the World Figure Skating Championships, where many spots were first earned, and national events, where specific athletes were chosen to fill the Olympic quotas their countries had earned. These selection stages made the pressure feel even more real; it was a chance to represent their country on sport’s greatest stage (nbcolympics).
For fans and skaters alike, the finals were a thrilling mix of artistry and pressure, ending in heartbreak and the greatest form of nationalism one could feel.
