Change or be changed. An imperative hammered home by Thomas Bach, which the International Skating Union (ISU) has taken literally. It is coming off a busy week, marked by the presentation of its new visual identity and the holding of the very first extraordinary congress in its 133-year history, which approved a broad reform of its Constitution. Two essential steps for the modernization and operational efficiency of the IF.
More flexibility and efficiency
President Jae Youl Kim assures: this moment marks a turning point in the history of the ISU. Our constitution had become a patchwork; it was no longer adapted to today's world. " he believes. The new version, which will come into force in June 2026, was widely adopted (119 votes in favor, 9 against and 2 abstentions). It will be " more coherent ", and will offer " more agility and flexibility » to the ISU to achieve its objectives. This constitutional reform notably establishes the creation of several bodies: an integrity unit, an "Audit, Risk and Investment" committee, an elections committee, and a remuneration committee. This will strengthen the federation's integrity and transparency levels. Another change: the members of the Athletes' Commission will now be elected through a new, more democratic process.
The format of the ISU congress, held over five days every two years, will also evolve: frustrated at systematically passing " two days on technical rules ", Kim pushed for a new system. Members will now be able to share their opinions on a platform throughout the year. A technical committee will then review these comments to propose consistent voting rules. This will make the ISU Congress format shorter and focus on other topics, including key statutory issues and strategic discussions for ISU sports. A more efficient, less costly, and less time-consuming arrangement.
Coventry applauds with both hands
Jae Youl Kim was certainly a happy president on Thursday. This reform is a cornerstone of the ISU Vision 2030. It gives us the flexibility to act more quickly in a rapidly changing world of sport – no more waiting two years for Congresses to address urgent issues., he rejoices. But let's be clear: flexibility does not mean lack of discipline. This new framework reinforces our commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability, and member-driven governance. Every step we take has one goal: to serve our skaters and safeguard the future of our sports. »
Three words! This is who we are and what we believe in. Are you with us? #SkateTheFuture #SkateOnTogether pic.twitter.com/3cvazanZoD
— ISU Figure Skating (@ISU_Figure) July 4, 2025
In this period of transformation, the ISU sent another message about its ambitions by presenting its new visual identityPresent at her first FI congress as IOC president, Kirsty Coventry welcomed this strategy. The ISU Vision 2030 is very impressiveshe commented. It's clear that you ensure that athletes are at the center of the decisions you make. What's also evident in the constitutional reforms is the emphasis on the Integrity Unit, and the fact that the ISU is only the second international winter federation to implement it. That speaks volumes. I congratulate you and look forward to working with all of you to uphold our values and create more opportunities for athletes to achieve their dreams. "The good student is received with honors.
