Olympic Figure Skaters Offer Wellness Tips for Weekend Athletes

The 'hard ice always wins', say experts on managing injuries and mental health

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Elite figure skaters at the Winter Olympics share insights on managing injuries, dealing with chronic conditions, and maintaining mental focus, offering wellness tips for weekend athletes. Experts highlight the importance of immediate treatment for acute injuries, managing chronic issues, maintaining mobility, and varying training to avoid overuse, as well as the mental challenges of competing at the highest level.

Why it matters

Figure skating, while appearing elegant, involves significant physical demands and risks of injury. The advice from Olympic-level experts provides valuable guidance for recreational athletes on injury prevention, treatment, and overall wellness that can be applied to a variety of sports and fitness activities.

The details

Olympic figure skating medical staff emphasize the need for quick treatment of acute injuries, managing chronic conditions through modified training, maintaining mobility and flexibility, and varying training volume and intensity to avoid overuse issues. Common injuries include lacerations, joint problems, and even concussions as skaters push the limits of performance. Experts also highlight the mental health challenges, noting the importance of building resilience and diversifying interests beyond the sport.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics were held in Milan, Italy.

The players

Gretchen Mohney

The director of medical and performance services for U.S. Figure Skating.

Dr. Fred Workman

A team physician for U.S. Figure Skating for 25 years, who has been treating more concussions among skaters.

Ellie Kam

An American pairs figure skater who overcame a concussion and her partner's foot surgery to help the U.S. win Olympic gold.

Deanna Stellato-Dudek

A 42-year-old American-born Canadian pairs figure skater who had to withdraw from the Olympics after hitting her head on the ice in training.

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What they’re saying

“No athlete at this level is 100% fully healthy. It's about managing whatever it is that may be breaking down.”

— Gretchen Mohney, Director of medical and performance services for U.S. Figure Skating (WRAL)

“The hard ice always wins. When you fall on the ice, something is going to give.”

— Dr. Fred Workman, Team physician for U.S. Figure Skating (WRAL)

“We just wanted to kind of give it our all, and I feel like that's part of the reason why Danny and I have been able to work through so much of what people would see as obstacles.”

— Ellie Kam, American pairs figure skater (WRAL)

“You have to take extremely specific care of your body. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I'm extremely healthy. And I do think being able to treat my body like that for the last decade has helped me to heal very quickly.”

— Deanna Stellato-Dudek, American-born Canadian pairs figure skater (WRAL)

What’s next

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan will continue, with figure skating events scheduled throughout the first two weeks of the Games.

The takeaway

The advice from Olympic figure skating experts highlights the physical and mental demands of elite-level sports, providing valuable wellness tips that can be applied by recreational athletes in a variety of activities. Proper injury prevention, treatment, and mental health management are crucial for maintaining performance and avoiding setbacks, whether you're an Olympian or a weekend warrior.