- Cha Jun-hwan’s short program at Milano Cortina 2026 secured him a sixth-place finish and set the stage for a potential historic podium finish.
- The 24-year-old has competed in three Olympics, with his best result being fifth place at Beijing 2022.
- Cha won silver at the 2023 World Championships, marking a milestone for South Korean men’s figure skating.
- Despite technical challenges and health issues, Cha remains the dominant figure in domestic competitions.
The Man on Ice: A Decade of Dominance
Cha Jun-hwan has been the face of South Korean figure skating for a decade. His journey from a 16-year-old novice to a seasoned veteran is nothing short of remarkable. At the 2018 PyeongChang Games, he finished 15th, gaining invaluable experience on home ice. Four years later in Beijing, he climbed to fifth place—a record that stood until his current performance at Milano Cortina 2026.
The Boot and Ankle Battle
Cha’s path has been anything but smooth. Persistent boot fit issues and chronic ankle pain have plagued him throughout the season. These challenges forced him to simplify his jump layout, focusing on stability over technical risk-taking.
Yet, in his short program, he delivered a 92.72-point performance, including a quad Salchow and a triple Lutz-triple loop combination. This was enough to silence critics and position him as Korea’s best hope for Olympic glory.
A Nation’s Hope
Cha’s success is not just personal; it’s a symbol of South Korean figure skating’s rise to global prominence. His silver medal at the 2023 World Championships was the first ever for a South Korean man, and he led his team to a historic Silver in the World Team Trophy. This milestone cements his legacy as more than just an individual skater but as a cultural icon.
The Free Skate: A Final Push
Entering the free skate in sixth place, Cha faced a 10-point gap to the medal zone. With “Balada para un Loco” as his music, he aimed for a clean performance and a higher finish than his fifth-place result from Beijing. His presence in the final group of world’s best skaters is a testament to his relentless pursuit of Olympic podium glory.
Cha Jun-hwan’s story is one of resilience and dedication.
As South Korea’s “Ice Prince,” he continues to redefine what it means to be a top male figure skater on the global stage. His journey from a young competitor to an Olympic hopeful is a true tale of perseverance and skill. The world watches with bated breath as Cha prepares for his final push at Milano Cortina 2026.