Gian-Quen Isaacs is not only one of South Africa’s brightest figure skating talents but she is also a powerful symbol of what it means to represent a nation with limited resources but limitless determination.
At just 20 years old, Isaacs recently competed at the Four Continents Championships (4CC) in Seoul, marking the biggest moment of her senior international career – and possibly the beginning of a new era for South African figure skating.
“My eyes are set on qualifying for the winter Olympics in Milano Cortina 2026,” she says, with a quiet confidence earned through years of training and sacrifice. “To qualify would mean all the challenges and sacrifices were worth it.”
The 4CC event, held in February, was a full-circle moment.
Isaacs competed under the watchful eye of her coach Megan Allely-Painczyk – who herself competed at 4CC back in 2006. The experience was both humbling and exhilarating. “It was daunting because I didn’t want to let anyone down - I felt a whole country’s expectation riding on me,” Isaacs admits. “But it was also so rewarding. I grew as an athlete and soaked in every moment.”
Isaacs received positive feedback from judges and fellow skaters and even had the opportunity to meet the ISU President. She pushed through a back injury to deliver proud performances. “Every competition teaches me something new. I recognise what I need to improve going forward,” she says.
The energy of the crowd and support from other athletes was electric. “You could feel the mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s performances,” she says. “Off the ice, meeting World Champion Deanna Stellato-Dudek was a definite highlight.”
Isaacs’s journey has included training stints in Italy at Ice Lab in Bergamo and camps at the famous Cricket Club in Toronto. While she is based in Cape Town, she notes the importance of seeking international experience to grow as a competitor.
With Nationals on the horizon, Isaacs is looking ahead to her next major goal: the Olympic Qualifier in Beijing in September 2025. Training for that event comes with its own challenges, especially with limited ice time during school holidays. “I’m hoping to raise funds to train in Italy again where I can prepare alongside Olympic-level athletes,” she explains. “We’re working on a solid competition strategy.”
Right now, she is focused on improving the consistency of her jumps, refining her step sequences, and bringing more artistic expression to her performances. Her typical training day varies, especially between South Africa and Italy but one thing remains constant: her drive.
“My love and passion for the sport, and the honour of representing South Africa at the highest level, keeps me going. Africa has strong contenders - and we’re here to start the conversation.”
Balancing skating with life off the ice is another skill Isaacs has mastered. She prioritises her time carefully, making space for reading, music, ballet and moments with friends and family. “It’s important not to let skating and personal life overlap too much. Balance is key,” she shares.
Figure skating in South Africa is still developing, but Isaacs sees a passionate, growing community. The challenges are real: from limited access to elite training facilities to the financial strain of self-funding international competitions.
“We need corporate investment and greater awareness of the sport,” she says. “Our athletes are talented, but they need support to compete at the highest level.”
To young skaters dreaming of international competition, Isaacs has this advice: “It gets tough, but on the hardest days, you learn the most. Don’t let fear of failure stop you from becoming the best version of yourself.”
With her sights set on the Olympic Games and a heart firmly rooted in South Africa, Gian-Quen Isaacs is already making history. And she’s just getting started.
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