The figure skating world united in a deeply moving tribute of solidarity and remembrance during the Legacy on Ice ceremony, honoring skaters, coaches, and officials who tragically lost their lives in a devastating plane crash earlier this year. The emotional night featured many of the sport’s biggest stars performing in front of a sold-out arena, with heartfelt speeches honoring the legacy of those lost.
On January 12, the crash claimed the lives of many figure skaters, including rising stars, veteran coaches, and esteemed judges, leaving a profound void in the sport. These were young rising stars, veteran coaches, and judges of high esteem, leaving a huge void in the sport. The tragedy resonated throughout the global skating community, bringing with it an outpouring of support and sympathy.
“We skate in their honor tonight,” said Olympic champion and event organizer Michelle Stevens. “They poured everything they had into the sport, and we owe it to them to keep their legacy alive.”
The event brought forth the strongest of performances by world champions and Olympic medalists. Each performance was dedicated to a lost member of the skating family, preceded by heartfelt tributes. One of the many heartbreaks occurred when a group of younger skaters performed a song selected by one of the victims a mere few weeks before the tragedy.
Some of the victims’ relatives attended the event to express their gratitude to the skating community for its unwavering support. “It comforts us to know how much they were loved and respected,” commented Lisa Carter, whose daughter Emily was among the deceased. “This kind of tribute is a lovely way to remember them.”
Beyond being a performance, “Legacy on Ice” was also a fundraiser, with all proceeds dedicated to scholarships for young skaters in memory of the victims. The event aims to support the next generation of skaters, honoring the dedication and passion of those who were lost.
As the ceremony neared its end, the arena dimmed, leaving a single spotlight shining on the ice, where the names of the deceased were projected. A silence arose amongst the audience for a moment, breaking only to the applause of remembrance for the lives and careers of those gone too soon.
“We may have lost them, but their spirit is here,” Stevens said. “They will always be part of this profession, and we will never forget them.”
