Former Ice Dancer Pioneers On-Ice Olympic Figure Skating Coverage
Former US competitive ice dancer Jordan Cowan has made Olympic history by becoming the first camera operator to skate directly on the figure skating rink during competition. Dressed in an ice-white tuxedo designed for maximum inconspicuousness, Cowan glides across the Olympic ice with his custom camera rig, capturing intimate moments that traditional overhead and sideboard cameras cannot reach.
Capturing Raw Emotion in Real Time
While Cowan remains off the ice during actual skating routines, he immediately takes to the surface after each program concludes. Skating backwards with professional grace, he records the often raw, unfiltered moments of pure joy or crushing disappointment that follow a performance. These emotional snapshots are broadcast globally to television viewers and displayed on arena screens for spectators.
"To be the first person out on the ice at the end of their performance is such a privilege, and I definitely want them to feel their feelings," Cowan explained in an interview before the pairs short program. "The ice is a sacred place for a skater."
Contrasting Emotional Moments
The delicate nature of Cowan's work was particularly evident during American skater Ilya Malinin's performances. After Malinin perfectly executed his long program in the team competition, helping Team USA secure gold, he enthusiastically punched Cowan's camera in celebration. Conversely, when Malinin struggled during his singles free program, Cowan maintained a respectful distance as the skater displayed profound disappointment.
"I'm there to tell the audience, 'It's going to be OK, he's still here.' You know, you finish a program, you're still alive. There'll be another day," Cowan reflected. "To see Ilya's emotion really is just part of his story."
Creating a New Broadcasting Niche
While on-ice cameras have long been standard in speed skating and hockey broadcasts, Cowan has pioneered this approach for figure skating. After retiring from competitive skating in 2011, he worked in ballroom dancing and observed how television coverage inspired amateurs to learn new dances. Seeking to create similar inspiration for skating, he founded On Ice Perspectives in 2018.
Since establishing his company, Cowan has created viral video moments from all levels of figure skating across his social media platforms. At the Milan Cortina Winter Games, he works for Olympic Broadcasting Services, providing footage to national broadcasting rights holders worldwide. His impressive resume includes filming three US Championships, the 2021 world exhibition gala, and numerous international ice shows.
Technical Innovation and Physical Preparation
Cowan maintains his physical readiness through Pilates and yoga, ensuring he can handle his camera equipment while matching athletes' speed on ice. He has personally designed his camera rig, beginning with a lightweight steady camera mounted on an electronic stabilized gimbal that maintains a level horizon regardless of wind conditions. Additional features include manual focus, cinema zoom capabilities, and wireless transmission technology.
"I've trained myself to be able to follow skaters without knowing the choreography," Cowan revealed. "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."
Building Trust with Athletes
Cowan particularly enjoys when skaters engage with him as they leave the ice. Many competitors realize he carries a microphone and use the opportunity to send messages to loved ones, while others make heart signs with their hands toward the camera.
"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," he said.
Future Challenges and Adaptations
Beyond competition coverage, Cowan also operates on ice during medal ceremonies and will be present for the closing gala when top competitors perform their signature crowd-pleasing moves. The gala presents unique challenges, requiring him to anticipate skaters' movements to both avoid interference and capture perfect moments.
To blend seamlessly into the icy background, Cowan has experimented with both gray and white skating outfits. His competitive skating background and familiarity with athletes and their programs enable this delicate balance between visibility and discretion.
"The perfect compliment I get is when the skaters say they didn't even realize I was out there," Cowan concluded, highlighting the success of his innovative approach to Olympic figure skating coverage.
