What a time to be a figure skating fan. The road to Milano 2026 is already delivering the kind of narratives that make this sport so breathtakingly human. It’s not just about the jumps and the spins—it’s about the comebacks, the changes, and the sheer will to compete on the world’s biggest stage.
Let’s start with the headline that genuinely gave me chills: **Allison Reed** is attempting an Olympic comeback after 15 years. Let that sink in. A decade and a half. She’ll be partnering with **Saulius Ambrulevičius** for Lithuania in ice dance, and if that isn’t a testament to pure love for the sport, I don’t know what is. This is the kind of long-term dedication and resilience that transcends medals. It’s about the journey.
Then there’s the fascinating trend of skaters representing new nations. **Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin**, now skating for Armenia, have officially qualified. It’s a powerful reminder of how global and dynamically political figure skating can be—athletes finding new paths and opportunities to keep their Olympic dreams alive.
Not to be overlooked, **China** has secured crucial spots in pairs and women’s singles. In a country where figure skating continues to grow rapidly, these qualifications are huge. It sets the stage for what could be a very strong showing on home ice in the future.
And speaking of comebacks, all eyes are also on **Loena Hendrickx** as she returns to competition under high pressure in Beijing. After dealing with injury and immense expectation, her performance here could define her season.
What ties all these stories together? Grit. Change. Second acts. In a sport so often focused on teenagers and new stars, it’s refreshing—and honestly, inspiring—to see athletes rewriting their narratives years later.
The road to Milano is long, but it’s already full of unforgettable moments. Strap in, everyone. This is just the beginning.
What comeback are you most excited about? Drop your thoughts below.
