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Jana (Senior) Pribylova and Jana (Junior9 Pribylova (CZE) pictured during the ISU International Adult Competition @ISU

In this four-part series, we delve into the remarkable stories and achievements from the ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition, an annual event taking place in Oberstdorf, Germany. Attracting over 450 participants of various skill levels, ages, and backgrounds, this competition celebrates the passion and dedication of adult Figure Skaters from around the world.

Skaters of all ages and abilities converged in Oberstdorf, Germany, for the ISU Adult Competition, eager to share their love for the sport. This 18th edition brought together around 450 skaters from more than 30 countries worldwide. Whether performing single jumps or attempting complex triple jumps and spins, each participant showcased their best, united by a common passion for Figure Skating. The ISU Center of Excellence in Oberstdorf once again provided the ideal venue for this celebrated event.

Mother and Daughter

The two Jana Pribylovas from the Czech Republic have another unique story to tell. One is the daughter, she was a competitive skater and a medalist at the Czechoslovakian Championships in 1985 and 1986. The other one is the mother, who turns 78 at the end of May. Jana Pribylova senior skated in her youth and competed in smaller events, then she stopped at age 15. Later she got married and had children and grandchildren that she took to the ice rink. Jana junior became a competitive skater, then a performer with “Holiday on Ice” and is now a Skating coach in Spain.

“When I turned 50, my husband said that he never saw me skate and he wanted to see me.”

Jana (Senior) Pribylova (CZE) pictured during the ISU International Adult Competition @ISU

So in 2016, the younger Jana came for the first time to Oberstdorf. Meanwhile the older Jana got back on to the ice as well and in 2017, mother and daughter for the first time came together to Oberstdorf for the ISU Adult. In her debut Jana senior won right away in her category.

“I really enjoy it,” Jana Pribylova senior said. “Movement means life and I hope to inspire others.”

Jana (Junior) Pribylova (CZE) pictured during the ISU International Adult Competition @ISU

At home in the Czech Republic she became a celebrity as the country’s oldest skater. The younger Jana supports and coaches her mother and also her father, a former weightlifter.

In For the Long Run

Some of the participants of the ISU Adult event have been coming back year after year. Jasperine de Vries from the Netherlands has not missed one of the 18 editions. She competes in Singles and in Ice Dance with her husband Klaas. For her, Skating is a lifelong passion. Four to five times a week she trains early in the morning before going to her office for work.

“This competition is the best of the world and it is growing each year,” the Dutch skater said.

Frenchman Axel Rinaldi comes close to de Vries’ record.

“I only missed the event once, when my daughter was born,” he revealed.

Jasperine de Vries (NED) pictured during the ISU International Adult Competition @ISU

He started at age 30 when an ice rink opened in his home town of Colmar.

“We adult skaters focus on choreography and artistry. In 2017 I had a glowing costume, something that nobody had seen before. I want the people to enjoy and each program should be a show.”

He feels inspired by skaters such as Kurt Browning, Gary Beacom and Philippe Candeloro. Rinaldi creates original routines and is very popular in the Adult community.

The oldest participant came from France as well. Mariejo Baget turned 80 earlier this year and performed with her husband Raymond in the Bronze Free Dance. It was their eighth appearance in Oberstdorf.

“I think it was the last time we participated but we are happy we were able to skate so long,” she commented. “If we don’t skate next year, we still want to come back to watch and support the others,” she added.

Madame Baget took her children and grandchildren to the rink and three granddaughters are skating today at the national level.