GB Adult Skaters Shine in Oberstdorf

britishiceskating
Jul 14
3 min read

Updated: Jul 15

A round up of the 19th ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition in Oberstdorf from Chris Buchanan, BIS Figure Skating Official.

ISU ADULT COMPETITION

OBERSTDORF, GERMANY

JULY 2025

British skater medal count from the competition.

The 19^th edition of this premiere Adult Figure Skating event took place in Oberstdorf, the traditional home of international Adult Figure Skating. This is the largest international adult figure skating competition in the world but there are other ISU recognised Adult skating events taking place each year in North America and Europe. There will be other International Adult Skating events taking place in the next few months in Bled, Slovenia and Washington, USA.

As from the very start of this event 19 years ago, there was a strong representation from GB, with over 50 skaters taking part. The event had over 600 entries this year across all disciplines – Women, Men and Pairs Free, Interpretive and Artistic categories, Pairs Artistic and Free and Ice Dance Pattern Dance, Rhythm Dance and Free Dance with Synchronized Skating Free Program. The British representatives once again did BIS proud bringing back an impressive haul of medals across most categories.

The event was extremely well run with the usual supportive and hugely welcoming atmosphere that is so special to this event. One noticeable difference this year was the sweltering heat. If people thought they had signed up for a Winter Sport, they were in for a shock with temperatures in the mid to high 30’s all week and no sign of the usual ice rink fashions. It was the first time in my very long judging career that it was extremely comfortable to be sitting at the barrier judging wearing a t-shirt for the whole day. To say it felt as if we were melting, would be an understatement. However, in spite of the heat outside, the ice conditions were wonderful for the skaters, even if they felt a little more overheated than usual, by the time they had skated their programs.

The Brits were out in force and are always a significant presence at the Oberstdorf event. It was wonderful to see everyone in their team clothing.

*Members of the British contingent along with British judge, Chris Buchanan and John Fisher, Chair of the ISU Adult Skating Working Group.*

The Adult skating community is a highly dedicated group that treat their involvement in our sport with equal commitment to that of our other international skating competitors. Their love of the sport is evident in everything they do to enable them to compete but also to be so completely supportive of other adult skating competitors. The atmosphere at these adult internationals is unlike anything else in figure skating – their enthusiastic support of every skater taking part, willing them to be the very best that they can be – even if they are competing in the same event. It is truly heartwarming. The competitors come from every part of the globe and from all walks of life but share that same passion for our sport.

I feel privileged and honoured to play a small part in enabling these skaters to realise their dreams each year to compete at the wonderful ISU Adult Figure Skating event in Oberstdorf and thus allow them to bring home such great results for British Ice Skating every year.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there again next May for the big 20th Birthday bash!

If you're an adult skater interested in honing your skills, learning something new and spending some quality time on ice with fellow adult skaters, check out our upcoming Adult Development Skating Camp taking place 7th & 8th September in Sheffield.