Spanish Olympian Wins Approval for Minions-Themed Routine

Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate can now skate to Minions music at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate has received approval to use a medley of music from the animated film "Minions" for his short program routine at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. After initially being told he could not use the Minions-inspired music and costume, Sabate worked with various rights holders to secure the necessary licenses and clearances just hours before the start of the Olympic figure skating competition.

Why it matters

Sabate's Minions-themed routine had become a fan favorite during the figure skating season, and his ability to perform it at the Olympics was in jeopardy due to copyright issues. The approval allows Sabate to showcase his unique and popular program on the biggest stage in figure skating.

The details

Sabate had been using the Minions music and wearing a Minions-inspired costume all season, but was informed just four days before the Olympics that he would not be able to do so due to copyright clearance issues. He worked quickly to get approval from Universal Studios, Pharrell Williams, Sony Music, and others to secure the rights to the music in time for the Olympic competition.

  • On February 2, 2026, Sabate was initially told he could not use the Minions music and costume at the Olympics.
  • On February 6, 2026, just hours before the start of the Olympic figure skating program, Sabate received final approval to use the Minions music.

The players

Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate

A Spanish figure skater who received approval to use Minions music and wear a Minions-inspired costume for his short program routine at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

Universal Pictures

The film studio that owns the rights to the Minions animated film and characters.

Pharrell Williams

An American musician and producer whose song "Freedom" was part of Sabate's Minions-themed music medley.

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What they’re saying

“I am very happy to announce that we have made it: we have obtained the licenses for all four musical pieces, and I will be able to skate my Minions program at the Olympic Games. It has not been an easy process, but the support from everyone who has followed my case has been essential in keeping me motivated and optimistic throughout these days.”

— Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate, Spanish Figure Skater (Instagram)

“Right now, my only goal is to give my very best on the ice and deliver a program worthy of the affection I have received from people all around the world. I am deeply moved by the love shown to a small skater from a small federation.”

— Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate, Spanish Figure Skater (Instagram)

What’s next

Sabate is scheduled to perform his Minions-themed short program routine on Tuesday during the men's singles competition at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

The takeaway

Sabate's perseverance in securing the necessary rights to use the Minions music and costume for his Olympic routine highlights the complexities of navigating intellectual property issues in elite sports. His ability to ultimately gain approval demonstrates the power of fan support and the willingness of rights holders to accommodate unique creative expressions on the world's biggest athletic stage.