The International Skating Union (ISU) is proud to once again support Olympic Day and this year’s “You Can Do This!” campaign, led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which encourages young people around the world to get active, build self-confidence and experience the many benefits of movement, wellbeing and human connection through sport.

You Can Do This! Let's Move campaign by the IOC to celebrate the Olympic Day 2026. © IOC

For years, the ISU has supported the IOC’s Olympic Day initiatives, championing the belief that sport has the power to transform lives, build confidence and bring communities together. Through skating, millions of people around the world have discovered not only the joy of movement, but also the resilience, determination and self-belief that can carry them far beyond the ice rink.

Every Journey Starts with a First Step

This year's Olympic Day theme carries a simple but powerful message: You Can Do This. At a time when many young people are moving less and facing increasing self-doubt, the campaign serves as an important reminder that confidence is not something we are born with - it is something we build. It starts with taking that first step, trying something new and embracing the process of learning and growing. Confidence is built through action, not perfection.

Across the global skating family, athletes understand this journey better than most. Every skater, from Olympic champions to first-time beginners, started with a single stride on the ice. Whether in Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track or Synchronized Skating, progress comes from embracing challenges, learning from setbacks and believing in the possibilities ahead. 

Skaters Share Their Message: Believe in Yourself

To mark Olympic Day, several skaters from around the world shared personal messages of encouragement for young people considering taking their first step into sport.

Donovan Carrillo (MEX) – Figure Skating

Encouraging young people to discover their passions and embrace new experiences, Carrillo said:

"Many people are lost and they don't find their passions because they don't try. I want to invite you to try. It doesn't matter, just have fun and give it a chance."

Wenjing Sui (CHN) – Figure Skating 

Emphasizing the power of perseverance and optimism, Sui encouraged young people to trust themselves and look beyond life’s challenges:

"You have to believe in yourself and face challenges bravely, once those challenges are behind you, we will surely see a brighter sun."

Tessa Tamminen (FIN) – Synchronized Skating

Highlighting the importance of self-belief and community support, Tamminen shared:

"The biggest enemy is often yourself. Believe in yourself, because you have a whole community behind you. Just push through, you can do it."

Ivanie Blondin (CAN) – Speed Skating

Blondin emphasized the value of resilience and learning from challenges:

"Try to reframe the negatives into positives and learn from your mistakes. If you're able to push through and believe in yourself, success will come."

Viktor Knoch (HUN) – Short Track

Short Track Olympic medalist Viktor Knoch (HUN) spoke about investing in one's future:

"It's very important to believe in yourself, invest in yourself and make sacrifices for the future you want to achieve."

The Power of Movement – Join the Movement! 

Olympic Day, celebrated annually on June 23, marks the founding of the modern Olympic Games and serves as a global invitation to get moving, highlighting the physical, mental and social benefits that sport and physical activity can bring to people's lives. 

For the ISU, this message resonates deeply. Skating is more than a sport - it is a pathway to confidence, friendship, personal growth and a strong sense of belonging within a global community. Whether stepping onto the ice for the first time, joining a local club or simply being active with friends and family, every journey begins with a single move.

You Can Do This. Let's Move.