The International Skating Union is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Elliot Schwartz of the United States. Elliot was a greatly valued member of the community of officials that help skaters realize their dreams of competing. His expertise, kindness, and positivity were cherished by all.

Most recently as an ISU Data & Replay Operator for Figure Skating and Synchronized Skating since 2018, Mr. Schwartz helped enable many international competitions, including ISU World Championships. Most recently, he contributed to the 20th Cranberry Cup International, a part of the ISU Challenger Series in Norwood, Massachusetts.

New England was Elliot’s home, where he lived in Maine with his husband Byron Cortez. Earlier, he had earned a PhD in materials engineering and bachelor’s degrees in applied mathematics and materials science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He brought this scientific and innovative approach to skating and even to other sports, notably serving Team USA’s athletes and coaches across summer and winter sports alike as Performance Innovation Lead for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

Skating is deeply fortunate to have been able to count on Elliot’s expertise for decades. He served as a U.S. Figure Skating official for more than 20 years and held the role of National Vice Chair for Education of Technical Panel officials, sharing his knowledge to support fellow officials in their development.

As part of the ISU’s Synchro9 Working Group, Elliot shared his experience as a Data & Replay Operator and helped Swiss Timing develop the software used to enable competitions. Synchro9’s Youth Olympic and Winter Olympic debuts at Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 and Alpes 2030 will be part of his legacy

Beyond these extraordinary contributions, Elliot will be remembered for his smile and laughter, and for the joy he found in the company of others. His passing is a profound loss to the skating community that he loved so much. 

We are grateful to have known him.

The ISU extends its heartfelt condolences to his husband Byron, to his family, friends, and all those dearest to him.