Figure Skating's Kiss-and-Cry Raises Mental Health Concerns

As the sport emphasizes athlete well-being, the voyeuristic practice of revealing scores in public is under scrutiny.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The kiss-and-cry area in figure skating has long been a source of both joy and heartbreak, showcasing unscripted moments of exuberance as well as the agony of defeat. However, as more focus is placed on the mental health of athletes, the propriety of this voyeuristic practice is being questioned. While it creates dramatic TV moments, the public display of scores, especially for young and inexperienced skaters, may be taking a toll. The International Skating Union has raised the age limit for senior-level skaters, but has yet to address the kiss-and-cry directly, despite calls from advocates like former U.S. champion Gracie Gold to prioritize athlete well-being.

Why it matters

The kiss-and-cry area is a longstanding tradition in figure skating, but as the sport places greater emphasis on mental health, the practice of publicly revealing scores, especially the crushing lows, is coming under increased scrutiny. There are concerns that this voyeuristic element may be detrimental to the well-being of young and impressionable skaters.

The details

The kiss-and-cry area showcases both the joyous and heartbreaking moments in figure skating. While it can capture thrilling celebrations, like when Kristi Yamaguchi won gold in 1992, it has also displayed the agony of defeat, such as when Ilia Malinin's disastrous free skate dashed his gold medal hopes. The International Skating Union has raised the age limit for senior-level skaters from 15 to 17, citing mental health concerns, but has not directly addressed the propriety of the kiss-and-cry. Advocates like former U.S. champion Gracie Gold have called for the sport to prioritize athlete well-being, but the ISU seems to have doubled down on the drama, introducing a "hot seat" and "podium box" to increase the pressure.

  • In 2018, the ISU discussed the pros and cons of prioritizing the best skaters or the well-being of athletes during their Congress.
  • In 2024, the ISU invited Gracie Gold to a session devoted to safeguarding young athletes.
  • The age limit for senior-level skaters was increased from 15 to 17 in time for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

The players

Kristi Yamaguchi

A former figure skater who won the gold medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.

Ilia Malinin

A figure skater whose disastrous free skate at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games dashed his hopes for a gold medal.

Gracie Gold

A former two-time U.S. figure skating champion who has been an outspoken proponent for the mental health of skaters.

Jae-youl Kim

The president of the International Skating Union (ISU).

Amber Glenn

A U.S. figure skater who helped the team win gold earlier in the 2026 Winter Games and will compete in the individual event.

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What they’re saying

“It's thrilling when you see those scores come up.”

— Kevin Aymoz, French figure skater

“I guess it's just always been part of the sport. I wouldn't know it without it.”

— Kristi Yamaguchi (The Associated Press)

“It's a high-pressure environment. I think we are getting to the point where we are kind of trying to find a balance of what is good for the sport and what is good for the athlete.”

— Amber Glenn, U.S. figure skater

What’s next

The International Skating Union is expected to further discuss the mental health implications of the kiss-and-cry area at its next Congress, as it continues to balance the dramatic elements of the sport with the well-being of its athletes.

The takeaway

The kiss-and-cry has long been a fixture in figure skating, capturing both the joyous and heartbreaking moments of the sport. However, as the focus on athlete mental health grows, the propriety of this voyeuristic practice is being questioned, especially for young and inexperienced skaters. The International Skating Union has taken steps to prioritize well-being, but must now grapple with the future of this longstanding tradition.