The wait is finally over.

For the first time in history, Synchronized Skating is heading to the Olympic Winter Games, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirming that Synchro9 will be part of the event program at the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games.

It is a landmark moment for one of skating's fastest-growing disciplines and a dream come true for synchronized skaters and fans around the world. After decades of dedication, teamwork and passion, the sport is finally set to take its place on the biggest stage in winter sport.

Synchro9 team from Finland performs during the Gala Exhibition at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic. © ISU

What is Synchro9?

Created by the ISU, Synchro9 is an innovative new competition format designed to bring all the energy, precision and creativity of Synchronized Skating to even more fans.

Nine teams of nine skaters (plus one reserve per team) compete in a fast-paced knockout competition featuring a simplified scoring system and an engaging in-arena presentation. The format makes it easy for both longtime fans and newcomers to follow every performance while celebrating everything that makes synchronized skating unique.

The Road to the Olympic Winter Games Starts Now

The journey to the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games begins much sooner than you might think.

Following its inclusion in the Winter Youth Olympic Games Dolomiti Valtellina 2028, Synchro9 will officially launch during the 2026/27 ISU season.

Fans will get their first opportunity to experience the new format at a series of international competitions before the season culminates at the ISU Synchronized Skating World Championships (Junior and Senior) in Nottingham (GBR). Each competition marks another step on the road toward Olympic history.

  - Irvine (USA): November 7 - 8, 2026

  - Vantaa (Finland): November 28 - 29, 2026

  - Rouen (France): January 29 - 30, 2027

  - Budapest (Hungary): February 20 - 21, 2027 

A New Era for Synchronized Skating

The inclusion of Synchro9 in the event program at the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games marks an exciting new chapter for the discipline.

From spectacular teamwork and breathtaking precision to creative choreography and incredible speed, synchronized skating will soon be showcased to the world's biggest winter sports audience.

The countdown to its Olympic debut has officially begun! And fans won't have to wait until 2030 to experience the excitement. 

The road to Alpes 2030 begins this November in Irvine. Follow along and stay tuned for what's next!