The International Skating Union -ISU- has once again implemented its “Calm Zone” initiative during the ISU Skate to Milano Qualifier held in Beijing. This space, designed to provide athletes with a safe and quiet environment, aims to strengthen mental and emotional well-being amid the intensity of major international competitions.

The “Calm Zone” debuted at the World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, where it was used by around 125 of the 190 participating skaters. Athletes especially appreciated the presence of therapy dogs and the chance to share messages on the so-called ‘Kindness Wall’. According to skater Gracie Gold, initiatives like this remind competitors that “you are more than your results, your mental well-being matters, you are never alone.”

From the IOC’s “Mind Zone” to ISU’s pioneering approach

The concept has its roots in the “Mind Zone” created by the International Olympic Committee -IOC- at the Olympic Villages of Tokyo and Beijing. However, the ISU was the first to structurally adapt this idea to a specific sport, figure skating, integrating it into major championships and now presenting it as a tradition within its long-term ‘Vision 2030’ strategy.

The success in Boston encouraged the ISU to repeat the experience in Beijing, where participants can access the zone between training, meals, and competition. The goal is to lower stress levels, restore focus, and encourage connection among athletes in a high-pressure environment. This innovation places figure skating at the forefront of mental health initiatives in international sport.

How it is implemented at each event

The “Calm Zone” is set up in dedicated backstage areas of competition venues and equipped with resources such as mindfulness tools, sensory objects, creative corners, quiet spaces, and community activities. It also includes professional support with therapists and crisis response staff. In Boston, for instance, the Red Cross provided direct assistance, reinforcing the operational and professional side of the project.

Beyond individual relaxation, the initiative also promotes community dynamics. In Boston, the ‘Kindness Wall’ became a meeting point where athletes left supportive notes for their peers. These activities fostered a sense of solidarity in a sport where moments of isolation and pressure are frequent.

A resource on the road to Milano 2026

The ISU has confirmed that the “Calm Zone” will remain part of its competitive calendar in the coming years. Its introduction at the Beijing qualifier, which began on Monday, is part of a long-term plan to integrate psychological well-being into the preparation for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.