MILAN – The roar of the crowd, the glint of sequins, the weight of Olympic dreams – these are the moments figure skaters live for. But now, thanks to a pioneering cameraman, audiences are experiencing those raw, unfiltered emotions like never before. Jordan Cowan, a former U.S. Competitive ice dancer, is making history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan as the first camera operator to skate *on* the ice, capturing the immediate aftermath of each performance with a unique and intimate perspective.
Cowan doesn’t glide into view during the routines themselves. Instead, he’s there in the seconds after a skater finishes, skating backward to record the immediate reaction – the elation of a personal best, the devastation of a missed opportunity. It’s a perspective previously unavailable, one that goes beyond the overhead shots and sideline views to reveal the genuine human experience at the heart of the sport. This innovative approach to Olympic broadcasting is delivering some of the Games’ most compelling images, offering a glimpse into the vulnerability and triumph of these elite athletes.
A New Perspective on the Ice
The idea to bring a camera onto the ice came from Cowan’s own background as a skater. After retiring from competitive skating in 2011, he found inspiration in ballroom dancing, observing how television coverage could inspire amateur dancers. He wanted to replicate that effect for figure skating. In 2018, he launched On Ice Perspectives, creating viral video content from skating events at all levels. Now, at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, he’s working with the Olympic Broadcasting Services, providing footage to broadcasters around the world.
“To be the first person out on the ice at the end of their performance is such a privilege and I definitely seek them to sense their feelings,” Cowan said in an interview before the pairs short program on Sunday. “The ice is a sacred place for a skater.” He understands the emotional weight of each performance, and his goal is to capture that authenticity without intrusion.
The impact of this new perspective was particularly evident after American skater Ilia Malinin’s performances. After a triumphant long program in the team competition, helping Team USA secure the gold medal, Malinin excitedly punched at Cowan’s camera. But after a disappointing final free skate in the singles competition, Cowan instinctively gave Malinin space as the skater grappled with disappointment.
“I’m there to tell the audience, ‘It’s going to be OK, he’s still here,’” Cowan explained. “You understand, you finish a program, you’re still alive. There’ll be another day. To see Ilia’s emotion really is just part of his story.”
Blending In and Staying Safe
Cowan’s role isn’t simply about pointing a camera and skating. It requires a unique blend of athletic skill and technical expertise. He’s designed his own rig, starting with a lightweight, stabilized camera mounted on an electronic gimbal to maintain a level horizon. He’s added manual focus, cinema zoom, and wireless transmission capabilities. He trains with Pilates and yoga to maintain the strength and balance needed to handle the equipment while matching the speed of the skaters.
Safety is paramount. “I’ve trained myself to be able to follow skaters without knowing the choreography,” Cowan said. “They know they don’t have to look out for me, and I’m going to do everything I can to stay out of their way because safety is my number one priority. The perfect compliment I obtain is when the skaters say they didn’t even realize I was out there.”
To blend into the background, Cowan has been experimenting with both gray and white skating looks. He’s likewise mindful of the skaters’ space, understanding that the moments after a performance are intensely personal.
Beyond Competition: Ceremonies and the Gala
Cowan’s work extends beyond the competitive programs. He’s also on the ice for medal ceremonies and will be present for the closing gala, where top competitors perform their signature moves. The gala presents a unique challenge, requiring him to anticipate the skaters’ movements to capture the moment without interfering. This skill is one he honed during his own competitive skating days, learning to read the movements of teammates and rivals.
He also enjoys the small interactions with the skaters, noting that many realize he has a microphone and apply the opportunity to send messages to loved ones. He often sees skaters making heart signs with their hands, a gesture of gratitude and connection.
“For that brief window at the end of the program, when you get to take in the audience by yourself, by having this silent camera slowly available to you, it gives a special moment that we have never been able to capture before,” Cowan said.
As the Milan Cortina Winter Games continue, Jordan Cowan’s innovative approach is reshaping how audiences experience figure skating, bringing a new level of intimacy and emotional resonance to the sport. The Olympic Broadcasting Services will continue to provide footage from the games to national broadcasting rights holders, ensuring that these moments are shared with viewers worldwide.
What’s next? Cowan will be on the ice for the closing gala, capturing the final performances of the Games. The lasting impact of his work, however, will likely extend far beyond these Olympics, inspiring a new generation of skaters and changing the way figure skating is filmed and viewed for years to come.
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