Figure Skating in Spain: A Growing Legacy and Stories of Famous Skaters

Javier Fernández © Pinterest

Figure skating, a sport that blends athletic prowess with artistic expression, has historically been dominated by countries with strong winter sports traditions. In Spain, where ice rinks are scarce and the skating infrastructure is limited, the sport has nonetheless carved out a remarkable niche, thanks to a few extraordinary talents. Despite having fewer than 20 registered figure skaters, as noted in a 2016 Olympics.com profile, Spain has produced athletes who have achieved global recognition, from Olympic medals to world championships. This article explores the state of figure skating in Spain, its challenges and growth, and highlights the stories of three famous Spanish figure skaters—Javier Fernández, Sofia Val, and Olivia Smart—whose journeys illuminate the resilience and passion driving the sport’s rise.

The Landscape of Figure Skating in Spain

Spain’s figure skating scene is modest, with the Spanish Ice Sports Federation (RFEDH) overseeing a small community of skaters. A 2008 Wikipedia entry on the Spanish Figure Skating Championships notes that events often lack participants in certain disciplines, reflecting the sport’s niche status. The country has limited ice rinks, primarily in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and no deep-rooted skating culture compared to powerhouses like Russia or Canada. A 2019 Journal of Sports Sciences study highlights that small skating nations can succeed by leveraging international training opportunities, a strategy Spanish skaters have embraced. Despite these challenges, recent successes have sparked growing interest, with initiatives like Javier Fernández’s skating academy in Madrid aiming to nurture young talent and expand the sport’s footprint.

The Spanish Figure Skating Championships, held annually, serve as a platform for domestic skaters, though many top athletes train abroad to access elite coaching and facilities. A 2023 Inside Skating report indicates that Spain’s international achievements, particularly in men’s singles and ice dance, have boosted funding and visibility, with hopes of further growth ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The sport’s appeal is also rising among Spanish youth, inspired by the global success of their compatriots.

Famous Spanish Figure Skaters and Their Stories

1. Javier Fernández: The Trailblazer Who Redefined Spanish Skating

Javier Fernández López (born April 15, 1991) is Spain’s most celebrated figure skater, a pioneer who put the country on the global skating map. Fernández made history as the first Spanish skater to win an Olympic medal, earning bronze at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. His accolades include two World Championships (2015, 2016), seven consecutive European Championships (2013–2019), two Grand Prix Final silver medals (2014, 2015), and eight Spanish national titles (2010, 2012–2018). Training in Toronto under coach Brian Orser, Fernández mastered Spain’s first triple Axel and quadruple jump, as detailed in a 2018 Olympics.com profile.

In a 2017 HuffPost interview, Fernández reflected on his journey: “Figure skating was my way of showing Spain’s heart on the ice.” Growing up in Madrid, he faced skepticism about pursuing a niche sport but persevered, often training in Canada to access better resources. His 2016 World Championship win in Boston, where he outscored Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu, was a defining moment, celebrated in a post by @ISU_Figure as a “historic triumph.” After retiring in 2019, Fernández founded the Javier Fernández Academy in Madrid, mentoring young skaters and hosting ice shows to promote the sport. His legacy continues to inspire, proving that Spain can compete at the highest levels.

2. Sofia Val: Ice Dance Prodigy with Olympic Ambitions

Sofia Val (born November 14, 2002) is a rising star in Spanish ice dance, partnered with Asaf Kazimov. The duo achieved a breakthrough victory at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Torino, winning gold in the ice dance event with a score of 172.77, as reported by FISU.net. Competing in the iconic Palavela arena, Val and Kazimov topped both the rhythm and free dance segments, earning praise from Italian skating legend Carolina Kostner, who presented their medals. Val, a student at Camilo José Cela University, expressed her joy in a 2025 FISU interview: “We tried to enjoy every moment on this historic ice.”

Val and Kazimov, who placed 30th at the 2023 World Championships, are building momentum toward the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics. Their partnership, forged through rigorous training in Madrid and international camps, showcases Spain’s growing strength in ice dance. Val’s dedication to balancing academics and skating reflects her discipline, and her Torino win has positioned her as a beacon for young Spanish skaters, demonstrating that ice dance can thrive in a country with limited skating tradition.

3. Olivia Smart: British-Spanish Ice Dance Dynamo

Olivia Smart (born April 1, 1997), a British-Spanish ice dancer, represents Spain with partner Adrián Díaz, forming one of the country’s most successful ice dance pairs. The duo are four-time Spanish national champions (2018–2021) and competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, finishing 8th in the team event and 11th in ice dance. Smart, who previously won three British junior titles with Joseph Buckland, switched to represent Spain after partnering with Díaz. Their silver medal at the 2021 CS Nebelhorn Trophy qualified Spain for the Olympic ice dance spot, a milestone celebrated in a 2021 Inside Skating report.

In a 2024 Skating Magazine feature, Smart described her partnership with Díaz as “a perfect blend of trust and creativity.” Training in Montreal under coaches Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon, they’ve mastered intricate programs, earning a personal-best score of 187.66 at the 2022 Europeans. Smart’s journey reflects Spain’s reliance on international expertise, as she and Díaz split time between Canada and Spain to hone their craft. Now aiming for the 2026 Olympics, Smart’s dual heritage and dynamic performances have made her a fan favorite, boosting ice dance’s visibility in Spain.

Conclusion

Figure skating in Spain, though constrained by limited resources, is a story of triumph over adversity, driven by the brilliance of skaters like Javier Fernández, Sofia Val, and Olivia Smart. Fernández’s Olympic and world titles shattered expectations, Val’s ice dance gold signals a bright future, and Smart’s international success elevates Spain’s profile. These skaters, through their dedication and global training, have overcome Spain’s modest skating infrastructure to achieve remarkable feats. Their stories inspire young athletes and fans, proving that passion and perseverance can make Spain a contender on the ice. As the sport grows, fueled by academies and rising interest, the legacy of these stars will continue to glide forward, captivating hearts and inspiring the next generation of Spanish skaters.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer