In a groundbreaking development at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, former US competitive ice dancer Jordan Cowan has made history as the first camera operator to work directly on the ice during Olympic figure skating competitions. Clad in an ice-white tuxedo, Cowan glides across the Olympic rink with a camera mount hoisted, capturing intimate moments as figure skaters warm up and take their bows, offering viewers an unprecedented close look at athletes' raw emotions.
A Unique Perspective on Olympic Competition
While traditional overhead or sideboard cameras provide standard coverage, Cowan's on-ice presence delivers a unique perspective that was previously unavailable to global audiences. As a former competitive skater himself, Cowan understands the sacred nature of the ice and approaches his role with deep respect for the athletes and their performances.
"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 stated in an interview before a recent pairs short programme. "The ice is a sacred place for a skater."
Capturing the Emotional Extremes of Competition
Cowan's role became particularly poignant during the Games as he documented the stark contrasts of Olympic competition. Following American skater Ilya Malinin's flawless long programme in the team event, which secured a gold medal for Team USA, the excited athlete punched joyfully at Cowan's camera. However, when Malinin faltered in the singles competition, Cowan respectfully maintained his distance as the skater crumpled in visible 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. To see Ilya's emotion really is just part of his story," Cowan explained, highlighting his thoughtful approach to capturing athletes' emotional journeys.
From Competitive Skater to Camera Innovator
After retiring from competitive skating in 2011, Cowan found inspiration in ballroom dancing's ability to motivate amateurs and sought to replicate this for skating. He established his company, On Ice Perspectives, in 2018 and has since created viral video content from various levels of figure skating across social media platforms.
While on-ice cameras are common in speed skating and hockey, Cowan has pioneered this niche specifically for figure skating. At the Milan Cortina Winter Games, he works for the Olympic Broadcasting Services, supplying footage to national rights holders. His previous experience includes three US Championships, the 2021 world exhibition gala, and numerous international ice shows.
Technical Mastery and Physical Preparation
To manage his demanding role, Cowan trains extensively with Pilates and yoga, enabling him to handle his custom-designed camera rig while matching athletes' speed on the ice. His sophisticated setup includes:
- A lightweight steady camera on an electronic stabilised gimbal
- Manual focus and cinema zoom capabilities
- Wireless transmission technology
- Equipment designed to ensure a level horizon throughout movement
Beyond competition coverage, Cowan also films medal ceremonies and will be present for the closing gala, where top competitors perform their signature crowd-pleasing moves. The gala presents a unique challenge, requiring him to anticipate skaters' movements to both stay clear and capture the action – a skill honed from his competitive skating background.
Blending into the Icy Environment
To blend seamlessly into the Olympic environment, Cowan experiments with both grey and white skating attire. His goal is to become virtually invisible to the athletes, allowing them to focus entirely on their performances without distraction.
"I've trained myself to be able to follow skaters without knowing the choreography," he explained. "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. The perfect compliment I get is when the skaters say they didn't even realise I was out there."
Creating Special Moments for Athletes and Audiences
Cowan particularly values the moments when skaters engage with him as they leave the ice, often using his microphone to send messages to loved ones or making heart signs with their hands. These personal interactions create authentic connections between athletes and global viewers.
"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 remarked, highlighting the unique contribution his pioneering work makes to Olympic broadcasting.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue, Cowan's innovative approach to on-ice filming represents a significant advancement in sports broadcasting, bringing viewers closer than ever to the emotional heart of figure skating competition while respecting the athletes' space and the sanctity of their performance environment.
