A Fond Farewell to Robin Cousins MBE OLY
- britishiceskating
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
British Ice Skating marks an important moment of transition as we bid farewell to our outgoing President, Robin Cousins MBE, and warmly welcome Pam Aguss as the organisation’s new President.
Robin steps down after nearly five years at the helm - a period that began amid the uncertainty of COVID-19 and evolved into one of renewed momentum, international success, and growing confidence across all disciplines of the sport. Under his leadership, British Ice Skating has strengthened its governance, re-established its presence on the world stage, and celebrated landmark achievements, including hosting the ISU Figure Skating European Championships for the first time in over a decade.
British Ice Skating CEO Maggie Still paid tribute to Robin’s impact:
Robin’s passion, credibility and unwavering belief in British skating have helped steer the sport through a period of real transformation. His ability to champion athletes, volunteers and officials alike - while opening doors on the international stage - has left the organisation in a stronger position than ever. On behalf of everyone at British Ice Skating, I want to thank Robin for his extraordinary commitment to our sports and the leadership, guidance, and unending support he has provided to the BIS Board, staff and members during his tenure.
Reflecting on his time as President, Robin shared the following message with the skating community:
Message from Robin Cousins MBE:
As the glow from the incredible success of the European Figure Skating Championships starts to fade and my tenure as President comes to an end, this seems the perfect time to reflect on my time in the role.
It’s been an incredible (almost) 5 years and what started at the end of COVID 19, rink closures and uncertainty across the sporting landscape has turned into exciting times as British skating returned to the world spotlight over the past few seasons.
I’ve always loved having skating conversations with anyone who’d listen and some of my best have been with the non-skaters who are helping ensure BIS remains a pillar within Winter sports NGB’s - our new CEO, Maggie, our new Chair, Adam, and our independent board members. Watching their interest in our sport move beyond the office and boardroom, into the rinks and onto the athletes and coaches has been great to see and long may it continue. My thanks as always to the people who, regardless of where they do it, ensure our events happen and that they’re a success. From the BIS staff, to member and non-member volunteers to our national and International judges and officials. BIS doesn’t function without you.
Finally, a huge well done to BIS skaters from Novice to Senior, Short Track to Synchro who represented us so well internationally, not least at last year’s World Figure Skating Championships where ‘by right’ we earned the opportunity to send the largest Winter Olympic figure skating team in 40 years. With the added success in Long and Short Track we're adding athletes from both sports to the BIS Milan 2026 Skating Squad. A total of 10 amazing skaters will be representing Team GB in Milan - and not forgetting the Performance staff, coaches, mentors and behind the scenes teams, without whom it may never have happened. Go, do your best and enjoy the Games!
I can’t think of a better time to be stepping down and I now officially congratulate Pam Aguss on her election to Vice-Chair and President of British Ice Skating. I know she’ll bring her own style and skill set to the Boardroom but her work as a valued BIS official will continue to be as real, fun and honest as aways.
I will always be part of the BIS team and will continue, as best I can, to support everyone to keep the momentum our great sport now has, going. Next stop… Milan with the BBC and I can’t wait to share the stories that emerge from what I predict, will be one of the greatest Skating Games in Olympic history.
Thanks, Robin
As Robin steps into his next chapter, British Ice Skating is delighted to welcome Pam Aguss as President [linkto: Pam article]. A long-standing official, judge and advocate for accessibility in skating, Pam brings decades of experience and a clear commitment to connection, collaboration and inclusivity.
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