ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships return to Beijing as final Olympic tune-up

From January 22 to 25, over 100 top skaters from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania will gather in the iconic "Double Olympic" venue for the 2026 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships - their final major international test before the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

For the host nation, this event is particularly significant. The Chinese team arrives with its full Milan Olympic roster, offering a comprehensive preview of the squad that will carry the nation's hopes in just over a month's time. This marks the first time the Championships have been held in Beijing since 2003.

Spotlight on Chinese stars

Sui Wenjing and Han Cong, the legendary pair who triumphed at the Beijing 2022 Games, have made a remarkable comeback this season. After overcoming injuries and retooling their programs, they dominated the domestic Olympic qualifiers to secure their spot for Milan. With a staggering six Four Continents titles to their names, they are poised to be top contenders on home ice. They are joined by the promising pair Zhang Jiaxuan and Huang Yihang, who secured an Olympic quota for China last fall.

In the men's event, two-time Olympian Jin Boyang leads the charge. The 28-year-old, known for his high-flying quadruple jumps, enters the competition in strong form after convincingly winning China's internal selections. His personal best score was achieved at the 2019 Four Continents Championships, where he claimed the silver medal. Teammates Chen Yudong and Peng Zhiming will also compete.

The women's event features a mix of experience and exciting new talent. Eighteen-year-old Zhang Ruiyang, newly promoted to the senior ranks, made an immediate impact by finishing fifth at the Olympic Qualifying Event to secure a vital spot for China, which she then earned for herself. This will be her Four Continents debut. She is joined by the dynamic An Xiangyi, making her season's international debut after injury, and Zhu Yi, the Beijing 2022 Olympian who has balanced training with university studies.

China's top ice dance team, Wang Shiyue and Liu Xinyu, who hold the country's best-ever Olympic finish in the discipline, are also ones to watch. After returning to competition last year, they quickly reclaimed their top national status and secured their Milan ticket. They will be accompanied by younger teams Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing, and Xiao Zixi and He Linghao.

A global stage for Olympic preparation

While the Chinese team commands home attention, the competition will be fierce. The Four Continents Championships traditionally features powerhouse skaters from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Canada, many of whom are also putting the final touches on their Olympic programs. The event serves as a critical opportunity for all athletes to gauge their readiness, test their programs under pressure, and gain momentum before the ultimate competition in Milan.

The 2026 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships promises not only high-stakes athletic drama but also a celebration of the sport's global appeal, all within the historic walls of Beijing's National Stadium.