During the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, the International Skating Union (ISU) brought sustainability to the forefront of global sport by hosting a dedicated panel at the ISU Home of Skating in Milan. 

The event brought together leading skaters, who form the ISU Environmental Sustainability Working Group, reinforcing the ISU’s commitment to advancing sustainable initiatives in line with one of the core goals of ISU Vision 2030. The occasion also marked the official announcement of the ISU Sustainability Awards, a new initiative designed to recognize and celebrate outstanding sustainability achievements across the global skating community.

ISU President, Jae Youl Kim, surrounded by members of the ISU Sustainability Working Group at the ISU Home of Skating in Milano. © ISU

Athletes Driving Change

Held in the presence of ISU Council representatives, some Members and key stakeholders, the panel served as the formal introduction of the Working Group - a four-athlete body established to ensure that the athletes’ voice plays a central role in shaping a more sustainable future for the sport.

Guided by its athlete-first agenda, the ISU is committed to reducing its environmental impact across all ice and winter sport environments. By working hand in hand with elite skaters, the ISU aims to amplify sustainable practices throughout the skating community and beyond.

The Sustainability Working Group is composed of the following four athletes, and headed by ISU Council Member Maria Teresa Samaranch: 

• Three-time Figure Skating World Champion and Olympic Champion Nathan Chen (USA)
• Olympic 5000m Speed Skating Champion (5000m) Esmee Visser (NED) 
• European Figure Skating medalist and current competitor Deniss Vasiljevs (LAT) 
• Former Figure Skater and co-founder of the Figure Skating Diversity and Inclusion Alliance (FSDIA) Elladj Baldé (CAN)

The Working Group also includes ISU Council Member, Suwanna Silpa-Archa, ISU Head of Athlete Welfare and Sustainability, Ruth Trevallion, and ISU Athlete Welfare and Sustainability Officer, Cristina Ibarra. 

Nathan Chen and Deniss Vasiljevs joined the discussion in person, sharing their reflections on why environmental stewardship matters deeply to athletes.

Figure Skating Legend, Nathan Chen, and current competing Figure Skater, Deniss Vasiljevs, at the ISU Home of Skating in Milano. © ISU

Nathan Chen said: “I really appreciate that the ISU is engaging athletes in these [sustainability-related] discussions. We have such a love for the sport, for our community, and we all want to give back in ways, but having direct, true avenues in which we can actually voice our support and ideas, I think is very impactful.”

Deniss Vasiljevs, speaking just hours after competing in the Men’s Free Skate, added: “What motivated me the most is the desire to contribute. Being part of this group has the intention to bring a positive change – the type of constructive contribution that I would love to be part of. It means a lot to me just as much as continuing to skate and not forgetting that there is still an aspect of art and passion about it.”

Esmee Visser delivered a powerful video message emphasizing the importance of embedding sustainability at the earliest stages of planning and development: “We hope that sustainability is no longer something that is added afterwards, but is important at the beginning of projects. The sport has brought me a lot – to places outside where I have never been: I’ve seen the beauty of the planet but it also made me think that it’s not forever. So, I want to create a world that is healthy.”

Elladj Baldé completes the Working Group, which will collaborate closely with the ISU to advance key priorities, including reducing the carbon footprint of ISU events, optimizing arena energy use, promoting sustainable travel, and minimizing waste.

Elladj Balde of Canada performs during Gala at the 2024 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal, Canada. © ISU

Sustainability is firmly anchored in the ISU Sustainability Policy and operationalized through the ISU Sustainability Event Guidelines, which support organizers in delivering environmentally responsible events across all disciplines. From more efficient ice rink operations to conscious event delivery and strong athlete advocacy, the ISU is taking meaningful steps to ensure that skating continues to inspire generations - on and off the ice - while safeguarding the planet that makes the sport possible.