BuzzFeed - lol · Feb 19, 2026

42 Photos That Will, NO JOKE, Permanently Change How You Look At Figure Skating

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Matt Stopera · BuzzFeed

Every four years, I take it as my duty to remind everyone that figure skating is, without a doubt, the most terrifyingly athletic sport in existence.

1. First of all, let's talk about the chucking.

Figure skaters perform a dramatic lift during a competition, with the female skater soaring gracefully above her partner

2. Like, they're up there tossing human beings five feet in the air, on skates, ON ICE.

Figure skating duo performing a lift during a competition, with the female skater striking a pose mid-air, and both wearing intricately patterned outfits

3. There's also the human sweeping.

Figure skater in black outfit performs a dramatic spin on the ice, showcasing balance and grace

4. Which is, not only insane, but also unreal.

Figure skater in an elegant pose on ice, mid-performance, with focus on skater's face and partner's foot in motion

5. The level of trust required to let someone spin you two inches above solid ice is...a lot.

Two figure skaters perform on ice; one skater is elegantly leaned back, while the other supports them, both wearing sleek black costumes

6. : 0

Figure skater in an elegant, sleeveless dress performs a dramatic move on the ice

7. We have whatever is going on right here:

Figure skating duo performs a lift at an ice rink during a competition, with an audience watching in the background

8. Here:

Figure skating pair performs an impressive head-over-heels lift on the ice during a competition, displaying athleticism and elegance

9. And also here:

Two ice dancers mid-performance, one wearing a patterned top and dark pants, the other in a flowing dress with intricate detailing, striking a dynamic pose

10. It's very much giving "Look what I can do!"

Figure skaters performing a lift; woman in black costume held aloft by bald partner during routine

11. It's like she's on one of those swings at the amusement park.

Two ice skaters perform a lift, with the man holding the woman horizontally by one arm and leg during a routine on the ice rink

12. Yeah, I'll stick to Six Flags.

Two figure skaters perform a lifted spin at the Winter Olympics, both wearing sparkling costumes

13. Even when they fall, it's like, how can you still walk?

A figure skater in a white shirt has an awkward fall during a performance, sliding into the rink barrier with one leg propped up on it

14. That would kill me.

Figure skaters perform dynamic routine on ice; the female skater wears a sparkly dress while the male skater wears a sharp, black outfit

15. I didn't know the human body could contort into a circle like this.

Figure skater mid-air, performing a backflip on ice, with the word "MILAN" visible beneath. The skater wears a stylish dress

16. I also don't think people realize that they are spinning at approximately 300 miles per hour while holding their own blade. WITH THEIR HANDS.

A figure skater performs a complex spin on the ice, showcasing athleticism and grace. Olympic rings are visible in the background

17. My ankles hurt just looking at this.

Pair of figure skaters performing a complex lift at a competition, both wearing embellished costumes

18. That looks safe.

Figure skaters perform a dramatic lift on the ice, wearing ornate costumes with intricate patterns

19. This hairography, though.

Figure skater mid-performance, facial expression intense, wearing an embellished outfit with flowing sleeves. Hair captured in dramatic motion

20. One slight slip and this becomes a very different kind of news story.

Figure skaters perform a dramatic lift on the ice, with the woman gracefully poised above the man

21. The margin for error here is roughly the width of a dental floss string, like that skate could do some permanent damage.

Two figure skaters perform an intricate lift on the ice. The female skater wears a flowing outfit, and the male skater is in a fitted ensemble

22. K.

Figure skater in a dynamic pose on the ice, wearing a fitted long-sleeve top

23. Also K.

Figure skater in mid-air with one leg extended, performing a spin on the ice rink at a competitive event

24. It's like he's being raptured.

Figure skater performs an impressive mid-air split jump on the ice, showcasing skill and athleticism during a routine

25. Another picture where the camera angle is completely confusing me.

A figure skater in a dynamic, graceful spin on the ice, wearing an elegant, flowy costume. Photographers are visible in the background

26. I'm sorry, but is he floating? Is there a harness I'm not seeing?

Figure skater performs a jump at Milano Cortina 2026 event; Olympic rings and event logo in the background

Andy Cheung / Getty Images

27. I can't even tell you what's happening here.

Figure skating pair performing a dynamic lift on the ice; the man is in a sleek outfit, carrying his partner on his shoulders during the routine

28. Or here?

Figure skating pair performing an intricate lift at the Milano Cortina 2026 event, with the sign visible in the background

29. Me trying to reach for the remote without getting off the couch.

Figure skaters performing a dramatic lift on ice, with Olympic rings in the background. Skater in an embellished outfit; partner in a sleek, dark costume

30. I'd be concussed.

Figure skaters perform an impressive move on the ice, with one skater bending backward while holding hands with a partner in a dynamic pose

31. I got a cramp just from looking at this picture.

Figure skater performing a back-bending spin on ice, Olympic rings visible in the background

32. I am 100% convinced their face is trying to leave their body.

Figure skater mid-jump wearing a themed costume with arm cuffs and a belt, performing on the ice

33. No ma'am.

A figure skater mid-performance with an intense expression, wearing a fitted, long-sleeved outfit

34. Absolutely not.

Person ice skating, with a dynamic expression and hair flying, mid-performance in an arena

35. And really, I have NO IDEA how someone could be that flexible.

Figure skater performs a precise Biellmann spin on the ice, wearing a flowing dress, showcasing athleticism and grace

36. I can barely touch my toes (I just checked, I can't), and she's doing this on a single ice skate.

A figure skater performs a Biellmann spin on ice, wearing a stylish dress and matching accessories, with Olympic rings visible in the background

37. I have never seen anyone look so elegant with a blade four inches from their face.

Figure skater performing a Biellmann spin, showcasing flexibility and skill on the ice rink

38. I have so many questions, starting with: HOW? And ending with: WHY??????

Figure skating duo mid-performance, with one skater lifting the other gracefully, wearing elegant, sparkling outfits on the ice

39. This isn't even athletic anymore, it's just a straight-up dare.

Figure skater performs a mid-air spin during Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics event, wearing a sleek, patterned outfit

40. I get dizzy standing up too fast from the couch, and then there's this...

Figure skater mid-air during a jump, wearing a sleek costume with sparkling details, on an ice rink

41. In conclusion, they are athletes. They are artists. They are clearly completely superhuman.

Two ice dancers perform a lift. The skater being lifted wears a flowing dress, creating dynamic movement in the performance

42. The end.

Figure skaters perform an intricate move on the ice; one skater leans back dramatically while the other supports. Elegant display of athleticism and grace

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