Australian ice dancers Jason Chan and Holly Harris, Australia's top-ranked team, are based in Montreal, Canada. The pair recently achieved a significant milestone by securing an Olympic quota spot for Australia at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games. They have also been officially named to the Olympic squad, alongside figure skaters Anastasiia Golubeva and Hektor Giotopoulos, becoming the first four athletes confirmed for the Australian team.
Chan and Harris earned their first medal at the International Skating Union (ISU) Challenger level by finishing second at the Trialeti Trophy in Georgia. Their qualification for the Winter Olympics marks Australia's first ice dancing slot since the Sochi Games in 2014.
Partnership and Challenges
Holly Harris moved to Montreal at age 16 to pursue ice dancing. Her initial partner withdrew, leading her to try out with Jason Chan. Chan became an Australian citizen in 2021 to compete with Harris. The selection of an ice dance partner is often compared to dating, requiring compatibility in personalities and skating styles.
The beginning of their partnership coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated virtual training sessions and extended stays in Australia. Despite these challenges, they prepared for their first World Championships in 2021, which served as a qualifier for the Beijing Games. They were named as alternates for the Beijing Games, an experience Harris described as painful due to being close to competing but not participating.
Ice Dance vs. Pairs Skating
Ice dance is one of four figure skating disciplines at the Winter Olympics. Unlike pairs skating, which involves acrobatic tricks, lifts above the head, and jumps, ice dance emphasizes skating skills, composition, performance, and storytelling. Competitors aim for a cohesive presentation, maintaining character and integrating costumes and narrative throughout their program.
Olympic Qualification and Future Plans
Chan and Harris secured their 2026 Olympic spot with a personal-best score of 183.50 at Beijing's Skate to Milano event. Harris noted that not qualifying for the 2022 Games motivated them, leading to increased dedication and a stronger athletic mindset. She described the moment of qualification as highly emotional, fulfilling a long-term dream. Chan characterized the achievement as "surreal," representing the culmination of their hard work.
The duo has achieved podium finishes in recent competitions, demonstrating positive momentum. They plan to compete in additional events, including the Four Continents competition in China, to further refine their routine before heading to Italy for the Olympics. Harris emphasized the benefits of being prepared early in the season, contributing to their growth and success.