⛸️ From Cha Jun-hwan's Update to the 2026/27 Grand Prix Opening, This Week in Figure Skating 🎉 - 2026.10.23 | Figure Skating

Hello, fans! 🙋‍♀️ There's been a lot of figure skating news this week. On days when we miss the sound of jumps on the ice, this is the good stuff, right? Let's dive in! ⛸️

🕊️ Cha Jun-hwan's Update Amid Temporary Break

Cha Jun-hwan shared on social media the flowers and cake he received from luxury brand Bulgari on his 25th birthday ^[1]. With his thank-you message and update, I'm sure fans sent plenty of warm birthday wishes 🎂

But what makes this news even bigger is something else. On the 12th, Cha announced via social media that he would not continue national team activities and competition participation this season ^[1]. His heartfelt words, “After the last season, I thought deeply and agonized over what to do next,” made my heart ache 🥲 He also said his contract with Seoul City Hall was concluded after thorough discussions with the city, and that he will do his best with what's in front of him while carefully thinking about the path ahead 💙 It was also reported that he expanded his activities by signing an exclusive contract with actor management agency Fantasio in April ^[1]. This is a time when fans' support means the most.

🎬 The 'Figure Skating Twins' and Choreographer Weaver

Now for a choreography story. Caitlin Weaver, a former Canadian ice dance competitor, is an active choreographer who coaches Amber Glenn, the 2024 Grand Prix Final champion, and Chiba Mone, this year's World Championships silver medalist ^[2]. The article captured Weaver's instruction: “Give it a little more bounce, and do it like this, ‘shak shak’” ^[2]. Doesn't it make you excited to imagine movements coming alive with a single vivid instruction? 🤩

The 'figure skating twins,' who are preparing for their senior debut, are also working with this choreographer, which is a big highlight ^[2]. I can't wait to see what music and expression they'll show on a new stage in the new season ✨

🌟 Skate America: Stars of the World Gather

Skate America, one of the flagship international events in the ISU Grand Prix Series, is a stage where top athletes from around the world compete at a high level ^[3]. The article pointed out that Cha Jun-hwan won bronze at the 2022 edition ^[3]. Thinking back to that podium moment still gives me chills 🥉 I'm already excited to see which athletes will take the stage at this season's Skate America.

📢 2026/27 Grand Prix Series, Officially Underway!

The ISU's official YouTube channel posted a video announcing the start of the 2026/27 Figure Skating Grand Prix Series ^[4]. Just like the line “Okay, now you can get excited!”, the curtain has officially risen on the season 🎉 If you want to catch every competition, subscribing to the official channel is a must!

🔥 Adam Siao Him Fa's Graceful Performance

Finally, let me introduce a video posted by the official Olympics channel. It shows Adam Siao Him Fa performing with ease and elegance ^[5]. As the description says, where art meets technique, you can feel that ice-side calm in every move 👏 The video description also includes replay links for the Milano Cortina 2026, Paris 2024, Beijing 2022, and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, so be sure to check them out 📺 ^[5]

Fans, we had a happy week with figure skating! See you at the next update 💙⛸️