I fell in love with figure skating as a little girl watching the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Games. Though the amount of attention I paid to the sport over the years has fluctuated, I would award myself “avid fan” status since 2017, when I was able to attend U.S. Nationals in person. Now I have my favorite podcasts, my favorite Twitter analyst, and my own opinions about who will end up on the medal stand at the Beijing Olympics.

I’m writing this post to share my thoughts and also to give you a guide for what to watch. My hope is that if you tune in, you’ll find greater enjoyment knowing what is likely to happen. And in watching to see whether or not I am correct. 😉

Below I’m hedging my predictions by picking countries rather than specific medalists for silver and bronze. Leaving a sort of “fill in the blank” situation, if you will.

TEAM EVENT
Taking place Feb. 3-6

Medalist predictions: Russia 🇷🇺, USA 🇺🇸, Japan 🇯🇵

I have a hard time seeing any other countries being serious contenders. Watch out for Team Georgia to possibly sneak in with a top five finish.

MEN

Taking place Feb. 7 & 9

Medalist predictions: USA 🇺🇸, Japan 🇯🇵, Japan 🇯🇵

My gold medal pick: Nathan Chen 🇺🇸

Things to note: Yuzuru Hanyu is the 2-time Olympic champion and very well could grab the title for the third time. It’s rumored he will be trying to cleanly land a quadruple axel, which would be an unprecedented feat.

Programs to watch: If possible, try to catch the “Sinnerman” short program by American Jason Brown. It is figure skating perfection. I also really enjoy Nathan Chen’s “Rocketman” free skate, which is a somewhat controversial opinion. That choreographic sequence at the end! Jaw-dropping.

ICE DANCE

Taking place Feb. 12 & 13

Medalist predictions: France 🇫🇷, Russia 🇷🇺, USA 🇺🇸

My gold medal pick: Gabriella Papadakis/Guillaume Cizeron 🇫🇷

Things to note: Papadakis/Cizeron were one wardrobe malfunction away from winning gold last time around, and I hope they will prevail here in 2022. Team USA has three very strong ice dance teams who will likely finish in the top ten. Though I am hoping Team USA’s medal will be won by Madison Chock/Evan Bates (who are in their third Olympics together and Evan’s fourth overall), the team of Madison Hubbell/Zachary Donahue are also very strong and athletic. If anyone besides France, Russia, or USA claims a medal, I believe it will be Canadians Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier.

Programs to watch: One of the most entertaining free dances of the season, don’t miss Spain’s Olivia Smart/Adrian Diaz skate to “The Mask of Zorro.” No doubt you’ll also have feelings after watching Chock/Bates perform their Daft Punk alien/space explorer dance. It’s original, I’ll give them that!

WOMEN

Taking place Feb. 15 & 17

Medalist predictions: Russia 🇷🇺, Russia 🇷🇺, Japan 🇯🇵

My gold medal pick: Kamila Valieva 🇷🇺

Things to note: Team Russia is looking to sweep the women’s event, but between injuries and other considerations, I am hopeful that either Kaori Sakamoto or Wakaba Higuchi will sneak in there for a medal. Caveat: If for some reason Russia’s first alternate Elizaveta Tuktamysheva ends up skating, I think the chances of a Russian sweep actually go up.

Programs to watch: Wakaba Higuchi’s free skate to “Lion King” is moving. Although Team USA has no chance of medaling here, both Mariah Bell (“Hallelujah”) and Karen Chen (“Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto”) have lovely skates; they just lack the technical prowess of the top tier of female skaters.

PAIRS

Taking place Feb. 18 & 19

Medalist predictions: China 🇨🇳, Russia 🇷🇺, Russia 🇷🇺

My gold medal pick: Wenjing Sui/Cong Han 🇨🇳

Things to note: Performing in front of a home crowd, I think Sui/Han have a wonderful chance of winning. However, Team Russia brings three very powerful teams who are all vying for medals.

Programs to watch: I really haven’t followed international pairs closely enough this year to have recommendations from out of the country, but the top American team is likely to be Knierim/Frazier with Coldplay’s “Fix You.” Alexa Knierim may look familiar because she used to skate with her husband, who now coaches this partnership with longtime friend Brandon Frazier.

That’s a wrap! Will you be watching figure skating at the Olympics? Who are your favorite skaters?