6 Top Figure Skaters of the Last 10 Years

Figure skating is not an easy sport to master. There are a number of elements that must be included in every routine, difficult spins and jumps that need to be perfected, and not to mention the process of finding high-quality, comfortable figure skates.

It comes as no surprise that there have been several incredible moments in figure skating over the last decade. But behind those beautiful jumps and spectacular spins are the talented figure skaters completing the elaborate moves that make up gold medal-worthy routines. Who exactly are they—and how do they do it? Let’s take a look at some of the best figure skaters from the last 10 years and what made them great. 

The Best Female Figure Skaters

Elena Radionova 

Riedell skater Elena Radionova has been taking the skating world by storm since she first started skating. Radionova appeared at her first senior Russian Championships in the 2011-12 season. She finished in 5th place, going on to win the bronze medal at the Russian Junior Champions later that same season. In the past decade, Radionova has held world records for junior ladies’ short program, junior ladies’ free program, and junior ladies’ combined total score. While she has withdrawn from several events for the 2019-20 season due to injury, we’re sure we haven’t seen the last of the incredible Elena Radionova. 

Kaetlyn Osmond

What we have seen over the past decade from Canadian skater Kaetlyn Osmond has been nothing short of amazing. Now retired, Osmond is a three-time Canadian national champion and was Canada’s first ladies’ World Champion in 45 years when she won gold in 2018. She has had several other major accomplishments, as well, such as winning bronze at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. After having such a rewarding figure skating career, Osmond announced her retirement in May of 2019, ending her skating career as Canada’s most decorated female singles skater.  

Alysa Liu

For the young American figure skater Alysa Liu, her career is just beginning to take flight. She was the youngest female figure skater to win the senior U.S. Championships at age 13. Competing as a novice in the 2018 Asian Open Trophy, she became the youngest skater in history to complete a clean triple axel in an international competition. She was also only the fourth American woman to ever complete one. Here’s another amazing feat for you: Liu became the first American woman to complete a quadruple lutz in competition. Clearly, the incredible Liu has many years of competitive skating ahead of her, and we’ll be watching in awe as she continues to reach new heights. 

The Best Male Figure Skaters

Nathan Chen

American figure skater Nathan Chen is another incredible figure skater we love to watch. Chen has had an impressive skating career thus far, becoming a two-time World champion, bronze medalist in the team event at the 2018 Winter Olympics, three-time U.S. National champion, and so much more. Chen is the first and only skater who has completed five quadruple jumps—toe loop, salchow, loop, flip, and lutz. Chen now attends Yale University while continuing to perfect his figure skating. 

Vincent Zhou

Riedell skater Vincent Zhou has had nothing short of magnificent skating career. Beginning his skating journey at a young age, Zhou has progressed into one of the top skaters in the world. In his early years of skating, he was three national titles at different levels for three consecutive years—2011 U.S. intermediate champion where he was the youngest intermediate champion, 2012 U.S. novice champion, and the 2013 U.S. junior champion where he was also the youngest junior champion. After missing several seasons due to injuries, Zhou ultimately went on to become a member of the 2018 Olympic figure skating team. Currently a student at Brown University, Zhou has chosen to withdraw from several 2019 events in order to effectively balance his challenging class schedule. We look forward to seeing him return to the ice!

Adam Rippon

In the last decade, American figure skater Adam Rippon has wowed the world. Beginning his skating career at the age of 10, Rippon developed a signature move of a triple lutz executed with both arms above his head, now known as the “Rippon Lutz.” As a champion at the 2010 Four Continents Championships and the 2016 U.S. National Championships, he went on to be selected as a member of the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating team for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Before retiring in late 2018, Adam Rippon showed off just a few more of his moves by winning the reality television show Dancing with the Stars.

Figure Skates for Gold Medal Routines

Incredible skaters need incredible figure skates. With custom-fitted figure skates from Riedell, you’ll never have to worry about ill-fitting skates holding you back. Our master craftsmen can design a skate that perfectly fits your unique feet, from ideal heel height to firmness. Contact us today or head to one of our authorized dealers to get started creating your own custom figure skates.