As the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, figure skating continues to break cultural barriers – with Spain emerging as an unlikely powerhouse in the sport. Javier Fernandez, the trailblazer who won Spain's first Olympic figure skating medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, remains central to this transformation.
Fernandez's historic 2015 World Championship victory in Shanghai marked a turning point for Spanish athletics. "Winning in China was beautiful," the skater told CGTN, emphasizing the personal significance of sharing Olympic moments with family: "They celebrated more than me!"
His legacy now manifests through five Spanish skaters qualifying for the 2026 Winter Games – a national record. Fernandez continues coaching new talent, proving that even in football-dominated Spain, ice sports can thrive. The upcoming Olympics will test whether his technical innovations and mentorship can deliver new milestones.
With global viewership projected to surpass Beijing 2022's record 2 billion audience, all eyes will be on how Milano-Cortina elevates figure skating's blend of athleticism and artistry. For Spain's team, the competition represents both a tribute to Fernandez's career and a chance to cement their nation's growing winter sports reputation.
