In the wake of an electrifying first week at Gangwon 2024, the world eagerly awaits Gangwon 2024 figure skatingshowdown at the Gangneung Ice Arena from January 27 to February 1. With 68 skaters from 25 countries, including Olympic champion Kim Yuna as ambassador, the stage is set for an intense competition featuring four disciplines and a revamped team event.

Flexibility defines the format, with only the best three scores out of four counting, allowing National Olympic Committees with entries in three segments to qualify for the eight-team event. The singles events promise a showdown between South Korea and Japan, echoing the Junior Grand Prix Final.

Gangwon 2024 Figure Skating

As the fourth Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon 2024, progresses through its first week, it has already delivered a captivating blend of sporting excellence, groundbreaking performances, and dramatic moments. The spotlight now shifts to the figure skating competitions, promising more thrilling action at the Gangneung Ice Arena from January 27 to February 1.

Hosting four disciplines along with the highly anticipated team event, the Gangneung Ice Arena, known for its role in the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, is gearing up for a spectacular showcase of figure skating prowess.

A total of 68 figure skaters, representing 25 countries, have entered the five-day competition, featuring 34 womenand 34 men. The official ambassador for the Games is none other than Vancouver 2010 gold medalist Kim Yuna, adding an extra layer of prestige to the event.

Unlike previous editions, where teams comprised mixed National Olympic Committees, Gangwon 2024 introduces a new format. Teams will now represent only their respective National Olympic Committees, competing for glory in a revamped team event during the Closing Ceremony.

The competition structure allows flexibility, with only the best three scores out of the four individual segments counting towards the overall standings. This innovative approach opens the door for National Olympic Committees with entries in three of the four segments to qualify for the eight-team event.

As the figure skating extravaganza unfolds, the attention turns to the athletes to watch at Gangwon 2024. The singles events are anticipated to mirror the Junior Grand Prix Final in Beijing last December, setting the stage for a riveting contest between hosts South Korea and Japan for a majority of the medals.

In the women's category, reigning world and Grand Prix Final champion Shimada Mao aims to secure a third prestigious title. However, standing in her way is the Republic of Korea's Shin Jia, a formidable competitor who clinched the runner-up spot at both the world championships and Grand Prix Final.

In the men's competition, Japanese skater Nakata Rio, the recent gold medalist in Beijing, faces stiff competition from South Korea's Kim Hyeungyeom, who aspires to make history as the first Korean men's skater to medal at the Games. Slovakia's Adam Hagara, third in Beijing's Grand Prix Final, lurks as a potential dark horse ready to steal the spotlight.

The figure skating schedule at Gangwon 2024 unfolds as follows:

Saturday, January 27

• 13:30 - Pairs short program
• 16:00 - Men short program

Sunday, January 28

• 13:30 - Ice dance rhythm dance
• 16:10 - Women short program

Monday, January 29

• 11:30 - Pairs free skate
• 14:00 - Men free skate

Tuesday, January 30

• 11:30 - Ice dance free dance
• 14:30 - Women free skate

Thursday, February 1

• 11:30 - Team event: Ice dance free dance
• 12:35 - Team event: Pairs free skate
• 13:15 - Team event: Men free skate
• 14:20 - Team event: Women free skate

For those eager to witness the action, all 13 competition days, including the five days featuring figure skating, will be streamed live on Olympics.comwith dedicated feeds. Additionally, viewers can catch the excitement on the official Olympics app for mobile devices, offering full replays on demand and highlights across official Olympics social media accounts. The stage is set for a mesmerizing celebration of figure skating talent at Gangwon 2024.

Conclusion

The action-packed events of the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, including the grand spectacle of the Opening Ceremony, will be accessible to viewers worldwide - and that too, entirely free of charge and without the need for a subscription.

The global audience can immerse themselves in the thrills of the Winter Youth Olympics as they unfold, from the mesmerizing Opening Ceremony to the heart-stopping competitions that follow. The Olympic Channel ensures that enthusiasts worldwide can witness every captivating moment in real time, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.