The International Skating Union -ISU- has taken a new step in its modernisation strategy with the announcement of two key initiatives linked to technology and audience engagement: a partnership with Aiving for on-ice performance tracking and the launch of its official account on LINE, the leading messaging platform in Japan.
Both actions form part of ISU Vision 2030, the programme aimed at integrating technological innovation, optimising athlete development and strengthening the connection with fans and key communities, both in the competitive environment and across the international skating digital ecosystem.
Technology applied to performance and injury prevention
The agreement with Aiving will allow the rollout of lightweight devices that attach to skates and deliver real-time data through the ‘Jump Tracker’ programme. This technology enables objective analysis of jumps and training loads, with the aim of improving performance and reducing injury risk, both for skaters and in the daily work of coaches and judges. The Director General of the ISU, Colin Smith, explained that “one of the pillars of our Vision 2030 is to embrace technology to elevate all aspects of our sport”, underlining that the tool provides usable and accessible motion data. The federation is also considering broader applications of the system, not only for athlete development but also to support the work of officials in competition.
From Aiving, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer Halla Sigurthorsdottir stressed that the objective is “to make training in skating sports as measurable and accessible as in disciplines such as running and cycling”. The company combines data science and artificial intelligence to transform complex information into clear, actionable metrics for everyday training environments. The ISU will support the product launch through its Members and Centres of Excellence, reinforcing the gradual integration of the technology within the federative ecosystem and exploring its potential application across other disciplines under its governance.
Digital expansion and connection with new audiences
In parallel, the ISU announced the launch of its official account on LINE as part of a localised content strategy aimed at strengthening its presence in key Asian markets. The initiative seeks to optimise engagement with the Japanese community and expand the reach of figure skating, speed skating, short track and synchronized skating among Japanese-speaking audiences worldwide. The federation already operates dedicated platforms in Korea and China and recently renewed its web ecosystem with a dual structure that combines a fan-oriented space, ‘Home of Skating’, and a modernised institutional portal, ‘Inside ISU’, offering content adapted to different profiles and skating disciplines.
The choice of LINE responds to its strong penetration in the Japanese market, where it reaches a majority of the population and forms part of everyday life in areas such as messaging, news and entertainment. Through this platform, the ISU will deliver exclusive news, live competition coverage, real-time results, behind-the-scenes content and information tailored specifically to local audiences. The ISU’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Jiao Li, stated that the federation “continues to invest in serving its existing fans while actively engaging new ones through localised content and dedicated digital resources”, highlighting the potential of LINE to strengthen the visibility of skating disciplines and connect with new generations of followers in Japan.
An integrated strategy of innovation and communication
The two initiatives reflect a complementary approach that combines innovation applied to high-performance sport with a communication strategy adapted to the digital consumption habits of each market. The ISU is therefore advancing in the construction of a more connected ecosystem, where technology, data and content play a central role in the development of the sport and in its relationship with global communities.
The federation continues to explore new tools and channels to enhance the experience of athletes, coaches, officials and fans, aligning sporting performance and digital transformation within the strategic framework of ISU Vision 2030.
