From Oct 9 to 12, Wuxi welcomed young figure skaters from across the globe to the seventh and final event of the ISU Junior Grand Prix Series for 2024/25. This prestigious gathering brought together athletes aged 13 to 19, competing in men's singles, ladies' singles, and ice dance, and I had the privilege of attending this event as a photographer.

Arriving in Wuxi a day before the official practices began, I took the opportunity to explore the city and see what a city it is! My visit to the ancient town was like stepping into another world. The architecture, full of historic charm, and the intricate decorations created a calm and serene atmosphere that genuinely helped me unwind. The town felt like a sanctuary where tourists and locals could escape from the fast-paced urban life. As a photographer, I was immediately drawn to its visual appeal — especially at sunset. Later, a nighttime walk around the Qingming Bridge Ancient Canal scenic area left me stunned by its romantic, almost fairy-tale-like ambiance. The gentle lights reflected on the canal water made it a perfect backdrop for an evening stroll.

The ancient Grand Canal, lined with traditional Chinese buildings, was illuminated at night in Qingming Bridge Ancient Canal scenic area. [Photo provided by Iana Saveleva to wuxi.gov.cn]

The competition took place in a unique setting — an exhibition hall transformed into an ice rink. This adaptation was a true feat of organization, with every essential facility in place: a warm-up area, media office, tribunes, medical rooms, and more. They even created the ice from scratch, which was done with such expertise that it provided an optimal surface for the athletes. Not only was the venue beautifully prepared, but the event itself was very well organized, too — everything ran smoothly and on schedule, which allowed everyone, from skaters to spectators, to feel comfortable.

Adding to the enjoyment was a performance of traditional Chinese dance during one of the breaks. This touch was an excellent way to entertain spectators and teams while offering them a glimpse into the beauty of local culture. It was a captivating performance that made the experience in Wuxi even more memorable.

What struck me most about this event was its atmosphere. Although the stakes were high, with many skaters competing for points to qualify for the Grand Prix Final, the event felt less like a high-stress competition and more like a celebration of skill and talent. There was a sense of unity, where athletes, teams, coaches, and fans came together to support young skaters. Watching these athletes strive for their goals, connect with their coaches, and interact with fans brought to light their sheer passion and dedication for this sport. The fans who filled the stands added to this energy, cheering for every challenging element and beautiful performance, and the skaters drew strength and inspiration from this support.

A skating scene from the final event of the ISU Junior Grand Prix Series for 2024/25 in Wuxi. [Photo provided by Iana Saveleva to wuxi.gov.cn]

Capturing these moments was a profound experience. Seeing figure skating live, especially at an event like this, is something I'd recommend to everyone. There is a beauty to live skating that goes beyond what you see on TV: the sound of the skates gliding on the ice, the shared excitement of the crowd, and the powerful bond between skaters and spectators. These are details that make the experience unforgettable.

Wuxi's hosting of the Junior Grand Prix event will stay with me as a cherished memory, and I am grateful to have been part of such an inspiring celebration of youth, talent, and community.

Young skaters make hand-heart poses.  [Photo provided by Iana Saveleva to wuxi.gov.cn]

The author is a freelance photographer from Russia keen on figure skating.

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