SynchroNice / Fourth Edition / 2019

popular sport and skaters around the world have united together in the #WhyNotSynchro campaign. #WhyNot2022 & #WhyNot2026 developed after the rejection of synchronized skating for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Skaters are now hopeful to make the 2026 Winter Olympic games, but how likely is this? Philippe Maitrot, Chairman of the ISU Synchronized Skating Committee and Darcie Dixon, member of NEXXICE, shared their thoughts on the likelihood of the 2026 Olympic Games and the steps that need to take place over the upcoming years to achieve the end goal we all hope for our sport. SO, WHY NOT SYNCHRO? The question we all want answered. There have been many reasons as to why the IOC are yet to accept synchronized figure skating into the Olym­ pics, but nonetheless, the rejection never gets any easier. The most recent appeals for the games, made in 2015 and again in 2018, were rejected by the IOC leaving many of us wondering what it will take to make our beloved sport an Olympic event. For one thing, we need to give our sport a bigger media platform. Darcie Dixon agreed that a greater media coverage is what could help ‘tip the IOC into acceptance’. She said: “Olympic participation is driven by tradi­ tion but also by media demand. “The World Championships could be further broad­ casted to increase viewership and awareness, along with other international events. “Key players in the sport need to tirelessly advocate for our spot on themedia stage. This would be a great help in getting a broader appreciation and fan base for the sport.” Another prominent reason the IOC are yet to accept synchronized skating into the Olympics is because of the added number of athletes and coaches it will bring to the games. Philippe Maitrot shared his understanding of what the IOC are requesting in relation to reducing the number of competitors. He said: “The IOC want to reduce the number of participants and has already asked the ISU a plan to reduce by ‘26 the number of participants.” Of course, we can’t ignore the issue regarding gen­ der. The IOC are yet to accept mixed gender teams however no male teams have yet been formed. This is one of the most controversial arguments against our sport entering the games but how we will over­ come this obstacle remains unknown. Synchronized skating has many difficult hurdles yet to face on its journey to the Olympics, but Mr. Maitrot believes it is ‘not impossible!’ So... WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN NEXT The focus shouldn’t stay on why not, but rather what needs to happen next to make our Olympic dream become a reality. Mr. Maitrot said: “We need Teams competing at Worlds and Junior Worlds from some important countries like China, Japan, Korea and South Asia. We need also South America and Africa.” Asian participation is a vital necessity to make our sport more appealing to the IOC. Sweden, Finland, Canada and the US have dominated the podium in SYNCHRO NICE 83