What began as a school curiosity has now become an international figure skating career, as Gian-Quen Isaacs works to put South Africa back on the global winter sports map.
Cape Town, South Africa (28 January 2026) – In a country better known for sunshine and summer sport, South African figure skater Gian-Quen Isaacs is challenging those expectations As she continues her pursuit of qualification for the French Alps, 2030 Winter Olympics, Gian is aiming to place South Africa back on the global winter sport stage for the first time in over two decades.
Her journey into figure skating began unexpectedly. Growing up in a sports-loving family in Cape Town, Isaacs was first introduced to ice through an ice hockey tournament advertised at her primary school.
“A lot of people don’t even realise we have an ice rink in South Africa, let alone Cape Town.”
Just out of curiosity, she attended the tournament and quickly fell in love with the ice. That curiosity led her to a learn-to-skate programme, a prerequisite for ice hockey. Just two weeks in, a coach spotted her potential.
“He told my mom that I could really grow in the sport.”
After her first formal lesson and seeing figure skaters perform jumps and spins, she was immediately hooked.
“It was so beautiful. I never looked back.”
Her first experience on the ice was equal parts fear and excitement.
“It was honestly terrifying. You’re used to being strapped to the ground, and suddenly you’re on a blade. I spent more time falling than skating, but something just clicked.”
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“Figure skating is small in South Africa compared to the rest of the world. So representing my country at that level means everything.”
Now firmly on an Olympic pathway, she says the journey has affirmed years of hard work.
“I’m incredibly proud to be helping show that South Africa belongs on this stage. Contributing to the visibility of the sport back home is something I take seriously.”
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Beyond medals and milestones, she hopes her journey will inspire others and ultimately grow the sport in South Africa.
“You don’t have to come from a traditional background to pursue something extraordinary. As South Africans, we shouldn’t limit our dreams, we should expand them.”
As she continues chasing Olympic qualification, Gian-Quen Isaacs is redefining what’s possible for South African sport, on ice.
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