#ISUSkatingAwards #FigureSkating
After two months of voting, deliberations and much suspense, the day has come to finally reveal the winners of the ISU Skating Awards 2024. The “Most Valuable Skater” Award goes to Ilia Malinin (USA), Hana Yoshida (JPN) shines as “Best Newcomer”, Adam Siao Him Fa (FRA) stands out with the “Most Entertaining Program” while Loena Hendrickx (BEL) grabs the “Best Costume” prize. In the “Best Choreographer” and “Best Coach” categories, Benoît Richaud and Mie Hamada are respectively rewarded for their exceptional work. Brian Orser (CAN), two-time Olympic silver medalist as well as famous coach and choreographer, wins the “Lifetime Achievement” award honoring his career. Deanna Stellato-Dudek (CAN) earns the “Special Achievement” Award for her remarkable comeback into competition after a 16-years retirement.
Staged in Zurich (SUI) during a thrilling Art on Ice show, the ISU Skating Awards 2024 were presented for the second time live in front of an audience and simultaneously live-streamed on the Skating ISU YouTube Channel – after a successful first live event in 2023, and two online editions in 2020 and 2021. Hosted by the respected sports reporter and TV presenter Elma Smit in duo this year with the four-time World Figure Skating Champion and legend Kurt Browning, the ceremony uniquely combined backstage filming in a studio, exclusive interviews as well as on ice prize-giving to the Award-winning skaters performing during the Art on Ice show (or online for those who were not present). Viewers thus benefitted from the unparalleled opportunity to not only watch exceptional musical and Figure Skating acts, but also glamorous and emotional moments of skaters receiving their ISU Skating trophies.
Most Valuable Skater
Honors the Single Skater or Pair or Ice Dance Couple who promoted Figure Skating – due to a successful competition season, creating (social) media attention and engagement in 2023 (GP 2022 accepted).
Ilia Malinin (USA) was nominated together with reigning World Champions Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) and Shoma Uno (JPN). At just 19, Ilia Malinin quickly became one of the most popular skaters, with the numerous titles gained first at the Junior level and now in senior international competitions. 2023 Grand Prix Final Champion and 2023 World bronze medalist, Ilia engraved his name in Figure Skating history as the first and sole skater to successfully land a quadruple Axel in competition (2022). With an impressive Instagram following of 127,000, the “Quad God” engages fans globally. Beyond his on-ice achievements, Ilia relentlessly pushes the boundaries of the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the international skating community.
Best Newcomer
Honors a young talented Single Skater or Pair or Ice Dance Couple competing very successfully for the first time in ISU Events on the Senior level in 2023 (GP 2022 accepted).
Shortlisted in the “Best Newcomer” category with the two other finalists Nina Pinzarrone (BEL) and Kimmy Repond (SUI), the 18-year-old Hana Yoshida won the Award for demonstrating her prowess this season, after a standout transition from the junior level. The Japanese skater achieved a notable victory at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of China and further added to her accomplishments by securing the bronze medal at the ISU Grand Prix Final— a remarkable ascent from her sixth-place finish in the Junior Final just a year prior. Hana has a triple Axel in her arsenal, a testament to her technical prowess and continuous growth in the competitive Figure Skating arena.
Most Entertaining Program
Honors the Single Skater or Pair or Ice Dance Couple for the music selection, expression, creativity, contemporary implementation, originality and overall performance presented for the first time in 2023 (GP 2022 accepted).
With his breathtaking Free Skating program, designed in close collaboration with choreographer Benoît Richaud, Adam Siao Him Fa’s (FRA) constant quest for innovation led him to win the Award in this category. The creative exploration for this season's Free Skating resulted in a compelling narrative — a story of a man trying to write his diary, experiencing moments of desperation when things don’t work out, and ultimately finding a way to overcome obstacles. The duo's commitment to storytelling and uniqueness infuses the resulting performance with a captivating and dynamic quality.
The other nominees were Kevin Aymoz (FRA) for his Free Skating program to the “Bolero” and Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson (GBR)’s “Rocky” Free Dance program to “Gonna Fly Now” and “Eye of the Tiger”.
Best Costume
Honors the Single Skater or Pair or Ice Dance Couple presenting a costume for the first time in 2023 (GP 2022 accepted) reflecting creativity, fashion, style and originality.
After having been already nominated in 2023 in the “Best Costume” category, Loena Hendrickx wins this year the prize, underscoring her consistent originality in artistic expression. For this season, Loena and her team chose for her Free Skating program an upbeat disco style of music with “Break My Soul” (The Queens Remix) by Beyoncé and Madonna. Hendrickx, alongside her coach and brother Jorik, and choreographer Adam Solya, scoured the internet for costume ideas. The result is a striking black and silver ensemble that perfectly complements the energy of Loena's performance. Also nominated in this category were Madison Chock / Evan Bates (USA) for their Free Dance costumes (designer: Madison Chock) and Haein Lee (KOR) Short Program’s costume (designer: Yu Mi Kim).
Best Choreographer
Honors the choreographic work of a Choreographer who successfully inspired one or several Single Skaters and/or Pairs and/or ice Dance Couples. Program must have been performed for the first time in 2023 (GP 2022 accepted).
This year marks Benoît Richaud’s (FRA) second nomination in the “Best Choreographer” category, and finally earned the Award in recognition of his outstanding work and contributions in the field. Former competitive Ice Dancer, Benoît returned to the sport first as a coach and rapidly ascended to success as a choreographer. Renowned for his distinctive and thought-provoking choreographies, the Frenchman crafted captivating programs for skaters such as Adam Siao Him Fa (FRA), Nina Pinzarrone (BEL), Donovan Carrillo (MEX), Loicia Demougeot/Theo Le Mercier (FRA), and more during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. The other nominated choreographers were Shae-Lynn Bourne (CAN) and Stéphane Lambiel (SUI).
Best Coach
Honors a Coach who delivered professional and efficient work and achieved outstanding results in 2023 (GP 2022 accepted) with one or several Single Skaters and/or Pairs and/or ice Dance Couples.
Nominated alongside Stéphane Lambiel (SUI) and Sonoko Nakano (JPN), Mie Hamada (JPN), a former competitive Figure Skater who transitioned to coaching after completing her career and studies, was rewarded with the “Best Coach” Award. Currently based at the Kinoshita Academy in Uji, Japan, she has cultivated a reputation for nurturing top-tier talent. Among her noteworthy students are ISU World Junior Champion Mao Shimada (JPN), ISU Grand Prix Final bronze medalist Hana Yoshida (JPN), and the newly minted 2024 ISU Four Continents Champion Mone Chiba (JPN). Hamada's dedication and expertise continue to shape the future of Figure Skating through her coaching endeavors.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honors a Figure Skating legend having achieved great success and popularity and is considered as a role model for the Figure Skating World.
Popular two-time Olympic Figure Skating silver medalist and successful coach Brian Orser (CAN) is an outstanding athlete, performer and coach that has always pushed the limits of the sport, leaving an enduring impact on generations of Figure Skaters. Winning his first national title at a novice level at the age of 16, Brian made the triple Axel his trademark jump at a time when few skaters incorporated it into their routines. His ascent to prominence included a bronze medal at the 1983 World Championships, setting the stage for his inaugural Olympic appearance in 1984, where he secured the silver medal. At the 1988 Olympics, Brian claimed another silver, cementing his status as one of the sport's greats. His distinguished career also featured a World title in 1987 and a total of five World medals (four silvers and one bronze). Post the 1987/88 Olympic season, Brian transitioned to a show career and performed for almost 20 years in shows and other events before focusing on coaching in Toronto. Quickly establishing himself as a renowned coach, he guided Yuna Kim (KOR) and Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN) to Olympic golds, showcasing his ability to nurture champions. His coaching prowess continued to shine as he mentored stars like Javier Fernandez (ESP), Jason Brown (USA) and Boyang Jin (CHN), among others. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Brian Orser is presented with the 2024 “Lifetime Achievement” Award.
Special Achievement Award
Honors a Single Skater or Pair or Ice Dance Couple who makes history by successfully performing a new / special / unique element or move or achieves something extraordinary at an ISU Event in 2023 (GP 2022 accepted) and pushes the boundaries of the sport.
Deanna Stellato-Dudek's (CAN) Figure Skating journey is a tale of resilience, embracing both the brevity and unpredictability of the sport. At just 15, she claimed the silver medal at the 2000 World Junior Championships, only to retire less than a year later due to a hip injury. Transitioning into a non-skating life, she worked a regular job and married. However, 16 years after her World Junior success, she made a remarkable comeback as a Pair Skater. She first teamed up with Nathan Bartholomay in 2016, competing for the USA. In 2019 she found a new partner in Maxime Deschamps (CAN). Having just turned 40, Deanna has a plethora of titles since her comeback including two-time Canadian Champion, an ISU Grand Prix Final and ISU Four Continents, and a three-time ISU Grand Prix Champion. In acknowledgment of her exceptional determination, trailblazing impact, and role as an inspiration to all, Deanna Stellato-Dudek is presented with the 2024 ISU “Special Achievement” Award.
The ISU Skating Awards 2024 honored the careers and performances of outstanding Figure Skaters and the work of Coaches and Choreographers based on criteria that consider results, performances, costumes, and programs spanning the entire calendar year of 2023. This evaluation encompassed significant events such as the ISU Championships (European, Four Continents, and World Championships 2023) and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series 2023, which includes both individual events and the Final.
From December 11th 2023 to January 7th 2024, the public and media had the opportunity to vote online for their favorite Skaters, Coaches and Choreographers across six Award categories (view complete list of candidates here). This resulted in the shortlisting of three nominees in each category made by the 2024 ISU Skating Awards Selection Commission (view here). The winners in each category were then decided through a vote by the 2024 ISU Skating Awards star-studded Jury, made up of six former Figure Skating Champions: Miki Ando (JPN), Brian Boitano (USA), Surya Bonaly (FRA), Lu Chen (CHN), Laura Lepisto (FIN) and Andrew Poje (CAN). The winners’ announcement and Awards-giving ceremony took place on February 11th 2024 in Zurich (SUI) during a special show held in collaboration with Art on Ice.
Check out the winners from previous years here.
