2026 Winter Olympic Games Figure Skating Events: A Complete Guide

predefined range) based on whether those moves are executed successfully and in accordance with the rules. The more difficult a move, the higher the base value of that element — adding a layer of strategy for skaters and coaches as they plan their routines. One key element of Figure Skating scoring that sets it apart from other sports is its scoring emphasis on both athletes’ technical execution and their artistic interpretation. In addition to required elements like jumps and spins, skaters are also judged on their choreography, musical interpretation, and overall performance. Judges assign scores based on the skaters’ execution of these elements, as well as the overall quality of their performance throughout the routine. In keeping with the sport’s emphasis on both athleticism and artistry, figure skaters are ultimately given scores that reflect both the technical execution and the creative performance they deliver on the ice. These scores are then tallied up across all elements and judges to determine each skater’s total score for a routine. How are Figure Skating medals awarded at the Olympics?Alena Kostornaia of Russia poses with her gold medal after winning the Women’s Free Skating during day four of the ISU European Figure Skating Championships at BOK Hall on January 10, 2021 in Graz, Austria.  Photo: Joosep Martinson – ISU/ISU via Getty Images Figure Skating medals at the Olympics are typically awarded based on each athlete’s total score across all routines in a given event. Each Figure Skating event at the Olympics consists of two segments: the Short Program (for Men’s and Women’s Singles, Pairs, and Ice Dance) and the Free Skate (or Free Dance). Athletes’ total scores are typically determined by combining their scores from both the Short Program (or Rhythm Dance in Ice Dance) and the Free Skate (or Free Dance). The athlete with the highest total score at the end of these two segments will typically be awarded the gold medal, with the second and third-place finishers earning silver and bronze, respectively. In the event of a tie, judges rely on pre-set tie-breaker rules to determine the final rankings, ensuring that every medal is awarded fairly and transparently. What are the judging criteria for Figure Skating events at the Olympics?Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the United States skate their short dance during the 2026 United States Figure Skating Championships at Enterprise Center on January 10, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.  Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images Figure Skating judges at the Olympics use a complex system of criteria to evaluate and score skaters’ performances across each event. The International Judging System (IJS) in Figure Skating incorporates extensive guidelines on judging skaters’ technical execution and artistic performance utilizing a scale of values and a detailed scoring system. Criteria may include factors like cleanliness and precision of each jump, spin, or step sequence, as well as skaters’ creativity, artistry, and interpretation of music. To ensure consistency and fairness in judging, each competing skater’s performance is scored by a panel of multiple judges. The high and low scores are typically excluded to mitigate any potential bias, and the remaining scores are then averaged to give the skater their final score for that performance. This scoring process is repeated for each element within a skater’s routine, contributing to their overall performance score. What’s next in Figure Skating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics?Zhou Xin of China competes in the men’s Free Skating during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships at Capital Indoor Stadium on January 27, 2019 in Beijing, China.  Photo: Yifan Ding/Getty Images As competition in Figure Skating continues at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, fans can look forward to more exciting performances and inspiring moments from the world’s top skaters. With athletes like Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Kaori Sakamoto, and others vying for gold and glory in their respective events, there’s sure to be plenty of drama, spectacle, and stunning figure skating routines in the days ahead. Stay tuned to NBC and Peacock for live coverage, commentary, and in-depth analysis of all the Figure Skating events at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as the world’s best skaters compete for Olympic gold and the chance to make history on the ice.