On World Mental Health Day, the International Skating Union (ISU) reaffirms its commitment to athlete wellbeing through expanded mental health initiatives that are central to the ISU’s Vision 2030. Building on its commitment to skaters, the ISU is rolling out comprehensive wellbeing and safeguarding measures that protect athletes both at competition venues and in the digital sphere.  

The Calm Zone at the ISU Short Track World Tour in Montreal © ISU 

“Sport’s understanding of mental health and how to protect it has evolved greatly in recent years and efforts to raise awareness have played a big part,” continued President Kim. “The ISU acknowledges World Mental Health Day and its pivotal role in driving this awareness.” 

ISU President Jae Youl Kim sharing the Calm Zone initiative at the Olympism365 Summit ©IOC

The ISU Council recently approved comprehensive wellbeing measures for the 2025/26 season, including expanded Calm Zone implementation and the creation of a social media monitoring program to protect athletes from online harassment. These initiatives complement physical safe spaces with digital protection, ensuring athletes receive support both at venues and across their social media presence. 

“The ISU’s commitment to the mental health of skaters is a vital part of our approach to safeguarding and wellbeing under Vision 2030, the ISU’s strategic plan,” said ISU President Jae Youl Kim. “With Calm Zones at our major events and a comprehensive program to protect skaters from online harassment and abuse, the ISU has been turning plans into action.” 

The ISU's Calm Zone initiative for skaters has demonstrated remarkable success at competitions. Following its debut at the World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston and subsequent implementation at the ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier in Beijing, athletes have embraced these dedicated safe spaces as enablers of wellbeing. 

The positive impact continues with the Short Track World Tour, where a Calm Zone was established in Montréal this weekend.
Polish Hussars athlete Kornelia Wozniak captured the sentiment of many competitors: "The idea of a Calm Zone at the venue is really nice. Athletes get stressed, it is a high pressure situation. I definitely get anxious before I am racing, so it is fun to relax. Mental heath is important. Having the support dog is brilliant. I love dogs, I have a crazy Border Collie dog called Charlie at home, they are great at making you relax."

Games for skaters to relax in the ISU Calm Zone in Montreal.  © ISU