BOSTON — Ashley Wagner and Ben Agosto are no strangers to the highs and lows of the figure skating world championships, having both experienced the thrill of triumph and the sting of setbacks on the ice. Now, with the International Skating Union (ISU) advancing its ambitious “Vision 2030” plan, which aims to expand the sport’s reach and improve fan engagement, Wagner, a three-time U.S. champion and former world silver medalist, and Agosto, an Olympic silver medalist with ice dance partner Tanith Belbin, are the perfect choices to bring unique insights to the table.
Their role at this year’s world championships involves interviewing athletes immediately after their performances, capturing their raw emotions. “As an athlete, I would have appreciated this opportunity to share thoughts so candidly right after leaving the ice,” Wagner explained. “It’s adding something fresh to the production, something we’ve never seen before.”
This year’s championship introduces several novel elements: advanced LED dasher boards lining the rink, dramatic athlete entrances, and lively music such as the rocked-out version of “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys echoing throughout TD Garden. The ISU’s goal is straightforward: to reignite interest in figure skating and make it appealing to a broader audience.
While die-hard fans indulge in the sport’s detailed artistry — admiring spins, jumps, and those glorious landings along with unavoidable falls — many viewers only engage with figure skating during the Winter Olympics. Athletes become prominent public figures for that fleeting period before fading into obscurity once the Games conclude.
“Skaters are the lifeblood of our sport,” emphasized ISU president Jae Youl Kim during a behind-the-scenes tour. “We are immensely proud of them and aim to illuminate their journey even brighter.” Consequently, the LED boards now showcase each skater’s social media handle, and individual introductions, akin to practices in track and field and other Olympic sports, are also being implemented for the first time.
With this revamped format, the ISU seeks to provide a spectacle for the audience filling the arena and the millions joining in from home. “We’re at the start of a journey that might include numerous marketing and partner collaborations,” said Wieland Lüders, ISU’s world championships manager. “Though we’re only at the foundational phase now, this concept marks an exciting beginning.”
Looking ahead, Vision 2030 aims to revolutionize the sport by enhancing television broadcasts, simplifying complex rules, attracting sponsorships, and expanding revenue channels. Grassroots initiatives, a reimagined competition calendar, and leveraging new technological advancements are also on the agenda to usher figure skating into a modern era.
For athletes, the initiative offers significant exposure and potential financial gains, complemented by behind-the-scenes enhancements. In Boston, for example, athletes have exclusive access to a relaxing lounge and a calming room in their hotel, featuring therapy dogs like fan-favorite Penny to help them unwinding.
However, the addition of a hot seat in the arena could increase tension among competitors. Modeled after the Olympic cycling time trial, the current leader is seated prominently in front of the audience until surpassed. Positioned next to the kiss-and-cry area, this new arrangement encourages direct engagement between contestants.
“We hope to engage fans even more by capturing reactions as skaters vie for the lead,” Lüders noted. “The interaction between athletes — whether through hugs, high-fives, or other exchanges — can make for a more alluring spectator experience.” Ultimately, this interactivity aims to foster a deeper connection between athletes and fans alike.