China’s Winter Olympic qualifier for figure skating opened in Beijing, attracting athletes from across the globe. The Winter Olympic qualifier will determine which skaters earn spots for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
“From Friday to Sunday, 112 athletes will vie for 17 Olympic berths in women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance at the figure skating Olympic qualifier. Leading international contenders include Loena Hendrickx of Belgium and Anastasiia Gubanova of Georgia.”
“Chinese athletes in the figure skating Olympic qualifier include Zhang Ruiyang, who claimed gold at the Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy in August. Junior champions Zhang Jiaxuan and Huang Yihang will also take part, alongside ice dance veterans Wang Shiyue and Liu Xinyu. China has already earned a men’s singles berth, so no Chinese male skaters will compete in this qualifier.”
Beijing-based commentator Wang Dazhao said Zhang Ruiyang has shown growing stability in her jumps. Despite limited international experience, she has a chance to qualify. “She still trails top skaters like Hendrickx in jump difficulty, but she can earn a spot at this Winter Olympic qualifier,” Wang noted.
The competition at Beijing’s National Indoor Stadium is the final opportunity for athletes to secure individual Olympic spots. Wang emphasized that while qualification is important, developing the next generation is equally critical.
He highlighted 12-year-old Liu Yuxuan, who recently landed a quadruple salchow jump after training abroad. “Her physical abilities and skills suggest she could achieve results like China’s first Olympic figure skating medalist, Chen Lu,” Wang said. She may also shine in future Winter Olympic qualifiers.
Wang Shiyue and Liu Xinyu remain China’s top ice dance duo, though injuries have limited peak performance. In pairs skating, Zhang Jiaxuan and Huang Yihang can aim for Olympic qualification. Olympic champions Sui Wenjing and Han Cong will not compete, making this Winter Olympic qualifier an important opportunity for them.
Ren Hongguo, president of the Chinese Figure Skating Association, said the Winter Olympic qualifier is critical. Athletes have trained intensively to deliver their best performances. The event also lets China showcase its competitive strength and organizational capabilities on a global stage.
Fan Yabing of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports added that elite competitions, including the Winter Olympic qualifier, will inspire broader interest in winter sports. This effort supports the goal of engaging 300 million people nationwide.
Looking ahead, Beijing will host the ISU Four Continents Championships in January 2026. The city will also hold the FIS Snowboard and Freeski Big Air World Cup in December. Both events build on the Winter Olympic qualifier to strengthen Beijing’s position as a hub for international winter sports.
