GENEVA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The International Skating Union (ISU) on Thursday announced a series of decisions for the 2026-27 season, including how it will distribute its increased prize money following the latest meeting of the ISU Council.
The governing body doubled its annual prize money to 10.54 million U.S. dollars after delegates approved the increase at the 60th ISU Congress in Tenerife, Spain, in June.
The council decided that 3.54 million dollars of the additional funding will be awarded based on results at ISU competitions, meaning nearly 70 percent of the increased prize money will be earned through on-ice performances. The remainder will be distributed according to the world rankings, rewarding a broad cross-section of skaters for their participation and performances over a rolling three-year period.
"We are proud to recognize the incredible work of our skaters in a better way, by doubling the prize money. This structure ensures that a healthy cross-section of skaters is rewarded, not only those who reach the podium. We are committed to the continued growth of our sport so that we can increase prize money again in the near future," ISU President Kim Jae-youl said.
The council also approved more than 2 million dollars in travel contributions for member federations.
In addition, Ruben Ambartsumov of Ukraine was appointed chair of the newly established Sports Medicine and Athlete Health Committee, with Kim Eun-kuk of South Korea named vice chair. ■
