What Is Synchro9? The New Era of Synchronized Skating Explained

What is Synchro9? Discover the new synchronized Skating format by the ISU, including rules, team size, and its future at the Youth Olympic Games - and Olympic Winter Games Alpes 2030! (Learn more)

What is Synchro9?

Synchro9 is a new Synchronized Skating format developed to modernise the discipline and make it more engaging for global audiences.

It features nine skaters per team and introduces a faster, more dynamic competition structure designed for both live events and broadcast.

How is Synchro9 different from traditional Synchronized Skating?

Traditional Synchronized Skating typically involves up to 16 skaters per team performing longer, structured routines judged on technical and artistic elements.

Synchro9 reimagines this format with:

• Smaller teams (9 skaters) 
• Shorter, high-impact performances 
• A focus on speed, clarity, and visual impact 
• A competition style built for modern & urban audiences 

The result is a format that is easier to follow, more accessible to new fans, and more adaptable for digital platforms.

How many skaters are in Synchro9?

Each Synchro9 team consists of nine skaters, creating a more compact and agile unit on the ice.

This smaller team size allows for:

• Sharper formations 
• Increased speed 
• Greater visibility of individual and group movements 

What is the Synchro9 competition format?

Synchro9 will introduce a knockout-style competition format, a major departure from traditional scoring systems.

Key elements include:

• Head-to-head battles 
• Elimination rounds 
• Themed performances 

This format adds a new level of excitement and unpredictability, making competitions more engaging for both live audiences and viewers at home.

Why did the ISU create Synchro9?

The ISU developed Synchro9 to:

• Grow Synchronized Skating globally 
• Lower barriers to entry for new countries 
• Modernise the sport’s presentation 
• Enhance broadcast and digital appeal 

By simplifying team structure and introducing a more dynamic format, Synchro9 aims to attract new participants and audiences worldwide.

Will Synchro9 be in the Olympic Games?

Synchro9 is set to feature at the Winter Youth Olympic Games Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 before making its Olympic debut at the Olympic Winter Games Alpes 2030. Its inclusion marks a historic step in the continued growth of Synchronized Skating within the Olympic Movement.

Where did Synchro9 debut?

Synchro9 made its official debut at the ISU Figure Skating World Championships 2026 in Prague, where it was showcased during the Exhibition Gala by a demo team from Finland.

The Future of Synchro9

As the format continues to evolve, Synchro9 is expected to:

• Expand to more international competitions 
• Attract new federations and teams 
• Play a key role in the future of Synchronized Skating 

Its combination of athletic performance and modern entertainment positions it as a major innovation within skating.