Top 10 Favorite Figure Skaters of All Time
Figure skating has this unique ability to combine raw athleticism with an almost magical artistry, capturing fans worldwide. There's something extraordinary about watching skaters who seem to fly on the ice, blending grace, strength, and years of discipline into performances that stay with you.
Every skater brings their own style and flair. Some are known for their speed and power, others for their emotional storytelling, and some for their daring jumps that leave audiences holding their breath. From heart-stopping spins to intricate footwork, the athletes on this list have inspired countless fans, not just with their medals but with unforgettable performances that showcase the beauty and challenge of figure skating.
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Yuzuru Hanyu
Yuzuru Hanyu, a Japanese figure skating icon, is renowned for his technical precision and artistic elegance, securing two Olympic gold medals in 2014 and 2018. He is celebrated for his innovative approach, especially with the quad jumps, pushing the boundaries of men's figure skating.
One need not look further than this season for a testament to Yuzuru Hanyu's amazing athleticism, steely tenacity, and incredible growth. From a crash in the Cup of China to absolute victory at the Grand Prix Final. From a 20% success rate on the quad Salchow to beautiful, GOE-heavy quads.
Now he's even predicting the era of quintuples. That may sound crazy, but coming from Yuzuru, it's a matter of fact. What can we say? He's clearly beyond the level of mere humans.
I think he is one of the biggest talents in figure skating history. He's very versatile, and he's got the full package. His jumps are spectacular, his speed is amazing, and his presence on the ice is immense.
Watching him is truly captivating and a huge pleasure. What I especially love about him is his will to compete against all odds. He has the spirit of a top athlete, along with his own unique charm and artistic mind. I wish him good luck. He's the best of the best, one of a kind - an alien, even. I'm happy to be a witness to his well-deserved success.
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Yulia Lipnitskaya
Russian skater Yulia Lipnitskaya became a sensation during the 2014 Winter Olympics, where her ethereal "Schindler's List" routine captivated audiences and won team gold for Russia. Known for her extraordinary flexibility and spins, she was one of the youngest figure skaters to achieve Olympic success.
Yulia's spins are out of this world. No one can touch her flexibility, the ingenuity of her positions, her speed, or the overall beauty of a spinning Yulia Lipnitskaya. If I were a judge, Yulia would be the only one to get Level 4 on spins. Her Level 4s simply cannot be compared to others in the field.
Take a Biellmann spin, for example. Most skaters struggle to do one, let alone a hyperextended Biellmann. And even when they hit the position, they merely turn slowly for three to four rotations. Not Yulia. Yulia's thigh practically touches her head, and she spins her Biellmann at a wonderful speed, rarely seen among top skaters. She is the queen of spins and spirals.
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Daisuke Takahashi
Daisuke Takahashi, the first Japanese man to win an Olympic medal in figure skating in 2010, is revered for his expressive performance style and complex footwork. His unique artistry has made him a beloved figure in Japan and contributed to the sport's growing popularity there.
I've been lucky to see all the great legends of the past decades, and I'm so happy to have witnessed the rise of one of the most exciting elements in male ice skating: Daisuke Takahashi. For me, he is the ultimate star of the ice world. He has the invention and genius that Toller Cranston had in his time, as well as elegance and sensibility.
But he also has brilliant technique. For once, the jumps were secondary. The quality of the skating and the meaning of each movement were sculpting something unique. I miss seeing him perform every day, but I'm grateful for what he has offered to his audience. May he be happy and blessed forever.
"How can we know the dancer from the dance?" Daisuke becomes one with the music in a way that few, if any, other skaters have done. He is a skating dancer of genius, a choreographer's dream.
Off the ice, he seems to be a very shy person, but on the ice, we feel as though we see into his soul. He can glide softly and slowly with intense, inward lyricism, and his blades can glitter with exuberant, charismatic displays of bravura footwork that skating fans adore so much.
What is also very special about Daisuke is his character. He has been plagued by injuries but never complains or makes excuses. His answer is always, "I must work harder and do better." His humility is almost embarrassing, as I, a person of vastly less accomplishment, have far more pride than this great skater does. He is a humble genius among skaters.
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Yuna Kim
Yuna Kim, often called "Queen Yuna," is a South Korean figure skater who achieved global fame by winning the 2010 Olympic gold and 2014 silver. Known for her impeccable technique and grace, Kim is widely recognized as one of the most influential athletes in the sport.
Yuna Kim is truly a phenomenon in figure skating. Her technical skills, speed, performance ability, emotional expressions, music choice, fashion sense, and personality are all nearly perfect! Moreover, I appreciate the sound of her skating because it shows how professional and relaxed she is, even during major competitive tournaments. It also matches the music very well.
Some people say that Yuna looks effortless when skating, but in my opinion, achieving that "effortless" appearance requires exceptional skills and spirit. Indeed, I haven't seen any other female skaters from Yuna Kim's era who possess this "effortless" ability.
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Mao Asada
Japanese skater Mao Asada is celebrated for her mastery of the triple axel, a rare feat in women's figure skating, and won three World Championship titles. Her resilience and poise in competition made her one of the most respected skaters in the world.
She was the most tweeted-about skater in the Sochi Olympics for a reason. As they say, it takes one to know one, and many of those tweets came from elite skaters. Unbeatable skating skills, divine musicality, wonderful spirals, and breathtaking spins set her apart.
She pushes the technical envelope for female skaters more so than any other. She personifies artistry more than anyone else. She demonstrates sheer tenacity more than any other skater. So why is Mao Asada my favorite skater of all time? Her skating career speaks for itself. She may not always have the best skate, but she is always the best skater. She is *the* skater among skaters.
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Stephane Lambiel
Swiss skater Stephane Lambiel, a two-time World Champion, is renowned for his musicality and extraordinary spins, which have influenced skaters worldwide. His expressive performances made him a standout in competitions, even when competing against technically stronger athletes.
Stéphane Lambiel is only a "contender"? I don't trust this survey as being valid. Lambiel is unquestionably the greatest male figure skater out there in this day and age. I'm not just saying that because I happen to personally adore him (which I do). I make this statement objectively, in light of his consistent perfection and unearthly artistry. But why restate the obvious? Because apparently, some prefer to ignore the obvious. Listing him as a mere "contender" does have shock value, though.
A real artist on the ice! He was someone who could combine the highest level of artistry with amazing skating skills and technique. He'll always be known for his relentless demand for quality, even after retiring from competition.
At the same time, he's also a wonderful person. And I haven't even mentioned his mesmerizing spins and musicality.
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Evgeni Plushenko
Evgeni Plushenko, a Russian figure skating legend, is known for his powerful jumps and showmanship, earning him two Olympic golds and two silvers over his career. Plushenko's longevity and competitive spirit have solidified his legacy as one of the sport's most formidable athletes.
I love the way he moves his body. The line, the position, the harmony between the upper and lower body, the delicate body control, and the natural grace of his legs are all incredible. When he moves his legs in such beautiful ways, he looks like he's floating on the ice, free from all the laws of physics! I had never seen anything like that before, and this is true beauty. It's just absolute, pure, ideal beauty. I appreciate Evgeni because he has left so many beautiful artistic performances for this planet.
One of the greatest and most charismatic figure skaters of all time. He radiates power, beauty, and energy. The sheer command he has over the ice and the audience is spellbinding.
There will never be a male figure skater as emotional, passionate, and technically masterful as him. He is one of a kind - a Tsar on ice!
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Alexei Yagudin
Russian figure skater Alexei Yagudin achieved iconic status with his 2002 Olympic performance, which earned him a gold medal with memorable programs like "Winter." Yagudin's dynamic skating and technical prowess made him a dominant force in his competitive era.
He is a real example of overcoming adversity and displaying unfaltering courage in sport. He has opened a new era in men's single figure skating, an era of the highest technique combined with great artistry. His Olympic programs will go down in the history of figure skating as some of the best performances ever.
They were breathtaking!
The best skater ever. He blends beautiful technical mastery with artistic skills. He always succeeds in "telling" the story behind each piece of music he interprets.
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Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan, one of the most celebrated American figure skaters, won two Olympic medals and five World Championships with her elegant, graceful style. Her remarkable consistency and sportsmanship left a lasting impact on the sport and inspired countless skaters worldwide.
No one - of any era - can compare. Michelle is in a realm beyond figure skating itself. She's beyond because she mastered skating: her edges, her execution before, during, and after a jump, her ability to emote without ever sacrificing basic figure skating fundamentals are unmatched.
And then she just shares herself, fully, without reservation, from the heart.
Figure skating is a better sport because of Michelle Kwan. The judging system may change and Olympic gold medals may continue to be awarded, but Michelle Kwan's legendary presence, exuberant elegance, and timeless artistry will always be remembered. No other artist can exude the same brand of genuine emotional expression on ice except her.
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Carolina Kostner
Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner is admired for her elegant lines and artistic expression, winning a World Championship in 2012 and an Olympic bronze in 2014. As one of the longest-competing skaters, Kostner has made a lasting impact with her lyrical and refined skating style.
The magical moments she brings to the audience when she skates on the rink are unique experiences. Only the ones who have had the possibility to see her live in a competition or in an exhibition could understand my thoughts.
She's undoubtedly the best Italian skater of all time. Being Italian, I cannot vote for anybody but her.
She is a ballerina on ice, an angel. No one can compare with her beauty and artistry.
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Ekaterina Gordeeva
Ekaterina Gordeeva, alongside her late partner Sergei Grinkov, won two Olympic gold medals representing the Soviet Union and Russia in pairs skating with their unparalleled unity and elegance . Their deep connection and artistry on ice made them one of the most beloved pairs teams in history. Known to fans simply as G&G, the duo also captured four World Championship titles during their dominant career.
She is the only person in the world of figure skating who has transformed it into an art. It's actually like ballet on ice, and a great ballet at that! This is the level of skating where even her perfect technique doesn't play a role anymore because pure beauty dominates over everything.
It amazes, stuns, hypnotizes, and gives a natural sensation of eternal harmony. Other great skaters are heroes. Katya is an artist.
There are only a few things in this world that can always give you joy, regardless of your mood and state of mind: the sea, the sun in the sky, the poetry of Shakespeare, the music of Bach, the paintings of El Greco, films with Katharine Hepburn or Dustin Hoffman, and the skating of Katya Gordeeva. Ekaterina, I'm so grateful that you exist! THANK YOU!
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Tessa Virtue
Canadian ice dancer Tessa Virtue, along with her partner Scott Moir, achieved Olympic glory with three golds and two silvers, earning worldwide admiration for their mesmerizing performances and perfect synchronicity. Their 2018 routine to "Moulin Rouge" remains one of the sport's most unforgettable moments. This impressive medal haul makes them the most decorated figure skaters in Olympic history.
She's the consummate princess ice dancer. Elegant, charming, talented. Virtue and Moir float on ice. They're articulate with their edges and footwork, and make it look so easy. The chemistry between them is part of their charm. Timeless, like Rogers and Astaire.
When you were in the Olympic Games, it was the first time I saw you. Because of your grace and beauty, I started to watch figure skating regularly. Thank you for the best performances in the world.
Tessa is really brilliant. Very smart, charismatic, and artistic. The best in ice dance.
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Brian Joubert
French figure skater Brian Joubert, known for his powerful jumps and consistency, won the World Championship in 2007 and several European titles. His competitiveness and charisma made him a fixture in men's figure skating for over a decade.
Brian Joubert was never afraid of circumstances or hard work. He is someone who never gives up, a person who takes your breath away the minute he appears on the ice. With Brian's retirement, an entire era of figure skating has come to an end.
He left as a great champion, a fierce fighter, and an extraordinary skater. He was the gladiator on ice, the French musketeer, and last but not least, a man with the most charming smile in figure skating. Merci, Brian!
He is one of the few skaters who have lasted so long in competitions without taking a season off for over ten years and still performed at a high level. A real fighter! The King of quads!
He has a great connection with the crowd! He's the James Bond of the ice!
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Katarina Witt
Katarina Witt, representing East Germany, won Olympic gold twice, in 1984 and 1988, and became known for her theatrical performances and strong, confident presence. Her charisma and daring style elevated her to international stardom, making her a figure skating icon.
A beauty on ice, it's a treat to watch her skate. She's classy, wonderfully talented, and technically superb. A two-time Olympic gold winner, and rightfully so.
She has also won the World Championships and European Championships ten times. That's twelve gold medals in total. This makes her one of the most successful figure skaters of all time.
Hugely inventive on ice and immensely popular and loved, this German skater represents alluring symmetry on ice.
Kati, what an amazing girl! She should be at least in the top 10. Super talented and skillful, stylish, and beautiful. A massive pleasure to watch her skating. It's breathtaking! Simply magic! Especially those performances in Calgary 1988, which earned her a second consecutive Olympic gold medal, just wow! And what makes Kati even greater is the fact that she is (and has always been) very lovely as a human: open, friendly, and happy. She's still in very good shape, even though she is already 55. You are a true legend, Kati!
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Elena Ilinykh
Russian ice dancer Elena Ilinykh, along with her partner Nikita Katsalapov, won a bronze medal in ice dancing and a team gold medal at the 2014 Olympics. Known for her dramatic flair and expressive routines, she remains a prominent figure in Russian ice dance.
She is adorable because she is so genuine. She is just very open and kind-hearted! I really dream of meeting her one day.
Although I've never really had any idols and prefer to live my own life, she is just so relatable that it feels like meeting her would be like meeting an old, lost friend from high school. I adore her! She is just lovely!
Elena Ilinykh is a true artist on the ice, a talent I like to call RUSLENA! RUSLENA combines the highest level of artistry with amazing skating skills and technique. What excites me most is that they seem to have two programs they believe in for the new season. When you believe in your programs, like "Carmen," nothing can go wrong!
The Free Dance choice by Ruslena, set to the Frida soundtrack, is superb. I'm already savoring this delectable performance. Kudos to them for choosing such a compelling story to portray and for collaborating with Najarro once again. Kustarova's "unexpected and original" comment has piqued my interest for the Short Dance. What does she mean?
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Midori Ito
Midori Ito, a groundbreaking Japanese skater, was the first woman to land a triple axel in competition, earning her silver at the 1992 Olympics. Her explosive jumps and athleticism redefined women's figure skating and inspired future generations.
A triple axel in the days when few women had a triple lutz! She is like the Nadia Comaneci of skating, so far ahead of her time. A triple lutz in her day is like a woman skater doing a quad toe in 2014. And no one has done that on a World stage.
Even today, only Mao Asada of Japan is doing a triple axel at World competitions, and she is very iffy, usually hitting less than 50%. Ito never fell on her triple axel. If they were using today's code of points, she might even beat Yuna Kim because her difficulty points are out of this world. Besides the triple axel, she also did two triple/triple combos in her free skate, the second triple/triple toward the end of her program.
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Denis Ten
Kazakh figure skater Denis Ten, who earned a historic bronze at the 2014 Olympics, was celebrated for his artistic and expressive style on the ice. As Kazakhstan's first Olympic figure skating medalist, he left an indelible mark on the sport before his untimely death in 2018.
Denis' artistry and musicality are unparalleled within the current generation of men's singles competitors. You can tell he is really connected to the music, whether it be in competitions or shows, and he always seems to skate from the heart. He has also changed the landscape of figure skating in his home country, Kazakhstan, and inspired many others with his wonderful skating as well as his insights and wise words off the ice.
On good days, his technique, posture, and style shine through, and his performances really draw you in. They are so entertaining and enjoyable to watch! He has grown so much as a performer and has managed to achieve so much over the past few years. I will look forward to seeing how he develops in the future.
Please vote for this incredibly talented skater!
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Johnny Weir
American skater Johnny Weir, a two-time Olympian and three-time U.S. Champion, is known for his unique style, fashion sense, and vibrant personality. Weir's expressive performances and vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community have made him an influential figure in the sport.
Johnny is absolutely in a league of his own as a skater. He doesn't just skate to music. He becomes the music, interpreting it with every stroke of his blades, every turn of his hips, and every flick of his fingers. He's mesmerizing and truly the most powerful, heartbreakingly beautiful artist on the ice ever.
Johnny is the best male skater in the world in my book. He is very artistic and graceful, and his skating technique is superb. His jumps, especially axels, are incredibly high and strong. Johnny's programs are sheer masterpieces. When you see him skate, you forget about other skaters and their merits.
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Elizaveta Tuktamysheva
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, a Russian skater known for her powerful triple axels, won the World Championship in 2015 and has continued to push technical limits. Her enduring career and adaptability have made her a fan favorite, especially for her bold performance style.
I wonder what the programs of Stephane Lambiel will be like. I'm eagerly awaiting the new season! I wish for her to confirm her status as the Queen of figure skating.
We are all waiting for your new, colorful, and charismatic wins! You are the best skater in the world. You have shown this through your hard work and love for your jumps, especially the best 3A in the world.
Your speed and the originality of last season's programs prove that Mishin is a genius! I want to see the first women's quad in your jumps!
The girl that I've liked since her childhood was so confident, feisty, and beautiful that everybody prophesied her a great career and a medal in Sochi. However, it wasn't that way. She had a bad injury and body problems.
No one else believed in her. But this season, the queen Liza is back, more motivated and strong. She overcame all her problems and became an improbable skater!
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Tatsuki Machida
Japanese skater Tatsuki Machida, known for his artistic interpretation and lyrical choreography, placed fifth at the 2014 Olympics and won multiple international medals. His unique approach to the sport emphasized storytelling, resonating deeply with fans.
I was deeply impressed by his performances. While watching him skate for a few minutes in a competition, I felt like I was watching a whole movie or an entire performance of ballet. His movement is not just beautiful. In every single movement, he has a message he wants to show the world - a message of love.
Yes, it's a pity he no longer competes, but I'm looking forward to seeing him perform another artistic program, something like East of Eden or Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
He is still a very good skater after his retirement as an athlete. I recently saw PIW in Yokohama, Japan, and found that Tatsuki and his skating are so beautiful and powerful, and his work is so talented. His new work is his best, which means he is still growing as a great artist.
I am deeply appreciative of his work and respect Mr. Tatsuki Machida.
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Scott Moir
Canadian ice dancer Scott Moir, skating with Tessa Virtue, captivated audiences with his intense chemistry and technical prowess, winning five Olympic medals. Known for his powerful partnering skills, he helped redefine what was possible in ice dance. He and Virtue currently hold the record as the most decorated Olympic figure skaters of all time.
He reminds me of Christopher Dean of Torvill and Dean. You notice him as much as his partner. Not many male ice dancers can pull it off so modestly, yet memorably. It helps that he's handsome, too. One of the best ever!
He is wonderful, a perfect ice dancer!
Perfect partner and joyful person!
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Brian Boitano
American skater Brian Boitano captured Olympic gold in 1988, thrilling audiences with his athleticism and clean jumps, notably his signature "Tano triple lutz." Boitano's rivalry with Canadian Brian Orser in the "Battle of the Brians" remains legendary in skating history.
Brian had power and grace. He had a dramatic presence on the ice and also managed a great professional career.
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Javier Fernandez
Spain's Javier Fernandez is celebrated for his charisma and technical skills, earning two World Championship titles and a bronze at the 2018 Olympics. Known for popularizing figure skating in Spain, Fernandez is widely loved for his joyful and playful style on the ice.
One of the most extraordinary skaters ever. He's so talented, and his technical skills, speed, and gliding are perfect. His charming performance is just incredible! He is an artist! He's looking for new, fresh ideas. Unforgettable performance at the World Gala 2015 with music from Touch of Evil! He's an actor with such a strong personality! Brave and unforgettable skater!
He has made history in his country! He is so adorable, inside and outside the rink. Love his relationship with Yuzuru! They are like brothers!
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Elena Radionova
Elena Radionova, a Russian skater, became known for her technical skill and vibrant energy on the ice, securing medals at both World and European Championships. She is one of the few skaters to have been successful in senior competition immediately after her junior career.
Elena is a fighter. She has won at least four medals at the Russian National Championships, a medal at the World Championship, two medals at the European Championships, and two medals at the Grand Prix Finals!
She grew significantly last season but is still one of the best skaters!
Very interesting programs, great technique, and very emotional! She has everything to be the best female skater!
I appreciate her innocent personality. She should cherish this trait, as it particularly shines during exhibitions, which are wonderful.
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Takahiko Kozuka
Japanese skater Takahiko Kozuka is recognized for his smooth skating and impressive edgework, winning multiple international medals, including a World Championship silver in 2011. His artistry and technical skill made him a respected competitor in men's figure skating.
From his junior days, his skating has been wonderful, and he caught my attention early on.
As he moved up to the senior level, his step work became more intricate and clever. I always look forward to watching his steps now.
There's a beautiful flow to his performance - very smooth and pleasant to watch. His music choices also add to the enjoyment.
He looks great skating to classical music, but he pulls off pop music just as well. Even with vocal music, his performances are impressive, and I love watching him perform.
I hope he continues to stay active in the sport from here on out.
His deep edge work and speed are outstanding. His smooth, even gliding across the ice creates such a pleasant experience - it's like you can feel a refreshing wind through his skating. This feeling of calm and strength also reflects his personality.
Whether he's going through good times or struggling, he faces each challenge head-on. Right now, he's dealing with foot pain, but he hasn't given up. His love for skating is clear. He's passionate about every aspect of it.
I will continue to support him as he keeps giving his best.