What is Synchronized Ice Skating?

Synchronized skating, often called “synchro,” is one of the fastest‑growing disciplines in figure skating. Instead of skating solo, teams of athletes skate together as a unit, performing precise footwork, formations and transitions in unison to music. It blends the technical skill of singles skating, the artistry of ice dance and the team dynamics of group sport, making it both athletic and visually stunning. The sport was originally known as “Precision Skating” because of its emphasis on perfect timing and formations, and has evolved into a highly technical and artistic discipline.

Synchro teams perform elements like circles, wheels, lines and intersections, alongside spins, lifts and other coordinated moves. At higher levels, teams compete in both a Short Program and a Free Program, judged on unison, difficulty, speed, creativity and execution.

Synchro offers something unique in figure skating because it combines individual skill with teamwork. Skaters develop confidence, discipline and lifelong friendships while pushing themselves athletically.

Synchro at the Youth Olympic Games

In a historic development for the sport, a new synchronized skating discipline called Synchro 9 has been included in the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Dolomiti Valtellina, Italy — the first time any synchronized skating category will appear in an Olympic‑related program. This format features teams of nine skaters and aims to broaden participation and give young athletes the opportunity to compete on an Olympic stage.

This inclusion marks a major milestone in synchronized skating’s journey toward wider international recognition and its long‑term goal of becoming part of the Olympic Winter Games program.