Harbin, China, August 3, 2026: The 2026 OCA-ISU Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp attracted some star quality with the presence of China’s retired Olympic pair champion Sui Wenjing.
With partner Han Cong, she won Olympic gold in 2022 and silver in 2018. The pair were also world champions in 2017 and 2019.
Sui, 31, gave a one-hour choreography class to all the skaters and presented the certificates at the closing ceremony – a moment the participants will never forget.
She is now a member of the International Skating Union Athletes Committee and described her role as a bridge between the athletes and ISU, “sharing athletes' needs and thinking about my role within the ISU. I want to help figure skating grow in the long run.”
Reflecting on the figure skating youth camp, Sui added: “It is a very important platform. Through just a few days of training and exchange, athletes from different Asian countries/regions can grow a lot. They can also get to know each other and develop together.”
She also had words of advice for the young figure skaters. “In an athletic career, there will be highs and lows. Persevering and working hard is the only way forward,” she said.
The OCA could not have chosen a better place than Harbin to host the camp, according to Sui. “Harbin is an ice and snow city. Many Olympic champions come from here, and it has hosted the Asian Winter Games on two occasions. Harbin has special strengths, both in training young athletes and in its climate.”
A representative from the athletes and coaches also addressed the closing ceremony.
Varvara Korotkova, a figure skater from Uzbekistan, said the days were filled with “training, new knowledge and vivid emotions”.
She said: “On behalf of all the athletes, I want to say a huge thank you to our coaches. Every day, you shared your knowledge with us, supported us, helped us correct our mistakes and believed in us even when things didn't go well.
“Thanks to you, we have become stronger, more confident and gained invaluable experience. Thank you to the organizers for this wonderful camp and to our parents for your love and support.
“I wish everyone new achievements, brilliant performances and the fulfillment of your dearest dreams,” she said.
The coach from Philippines, Michelle Ashley Payot, commented: “There is a quote that says ‘Coaching is the universal language of change and learning’.
“People often think coaches already know a lot about figure skating but this camp made me realize there is more to learn and that learning never stops. I am sure you have heard the quote ‘practice makes perfect’ but, for me, practice makes progress.
“I am very lucky to return home with not only souvenirs of material things but souvenirs of wonderful memories and long-lasting friendships built through this camp. I am excited to share what I gained from this camp with my existing and potential figure skaters.”
