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Mildori Ito (JPN) pictured during the ISU International Adult Competition @ISU

In this four-part series, we delve into the remarkable stories and achievements from the ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition, an annual event taking place in Oberstdorf, Germany. Attracting over 450 participants of various skill levels, ages, and backgrounds, this competition celebrates the passion and dedication of adult Figure Skaters from around the world.

Skaters of all ages and abilities converged in Oberstdorf, Germany, for the ISU Adult Competition, eager to share their love for the sport. This 18th edition brought together around 450 skaters from more than 30 countries worldwide. Whether performing single jumps or attempting complex triple jumps and spins, each participant showcased their best, united by a common passion for Figure Skating. The ISU Center of Excellence in Oberstdorf once again provided the ideal venue for this celebrated event.

The Olympians

Among the Adult Skaters are former high-level athletes who just enjoy  skating and performing. Midori Ito of Japan is not only the 1989 World Champion and 1992 Olympic silver medalist, she is also the first woman to land a triple Axel in competition. In her competitive time, she was far ahead technically of the other women. Now at age 54, Ito still loves to skate and has come to the ISU Adult seven times. In the warm-up of the Artistic Free Skating – a category where only single jumps are allowed – she even did an Axel just for fun.

“The Axel is my barometer. When I can do the Axel, I know I am feeling good”, she shared with a laugh.

Mildori Ito (JPN) pictured during the ISU International Adult Competition @ISU

She does not jump much anymore, therefore she participated only in the Artistic Free Skating. Nevertheless, Midori impressed with her flexibility in the spins.

“I enjoyed competing, I feel happy on the ice”, she said after winning the category. “My motivation is that everyone is watching with a smile.”

The Japanese star is on the ice about three times a week, teaches children and is skating herself for one or two hours. She watches with pride when other Japanese women perform the triple Axel today - Ito’s heritage lives on in today’s Figure Skating world.

Stefania Calegari of Italy is another former top-level skater who is competing for the first time in the ISU Adult event. With her partner Pasquale Camerlengo, the Ice Dancer ranked fifth at the 1992 Olympic Winter Games and as high as fourth at the ISU World and European Championships before retiring in 1993. However, in Oberstdorf the 57-year-old participated in the Artistic Free Skating as a Single skater.

“I did not find someone crazy enough to do Ice Dance with me”, she joked. “My former partner is coaching in the USA. Since I can’t jump and my spins are horrible, I had to do something different.”

Stefania Calegari (ITA) pictured during the ISU International Adult Competition @ISU

The Italian came out with an original performance on an Indian music to entertain the judges and the crowd. Coming back to Oberstdorf as a Skater was special.

“We spent so many summers training here, there were Jayne Torvill/Christopher Dean, Isabelle and Paul Duchesnay. This place holds so many memories”, noted Stefania, who is working with Single skaters as a coach and choreographer in Milan.

She used to attend Adult competitions before as a coach, but now took the ice herself.

“It is a strange feeling. My heart was beating very loud.”