Spanish Skater's Olympic Dream Disrupted by Copyright Ban on Beloved Minions Routine
In a dramatic turn of events just days before the Winter Olympics, Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate has been forced into a last-minute program change. The 26-year-old athlete, who has become a fan favourite for his playful performances set to music from the Despicable Me franchise, announced he has been banned from using his iconic Minions-themed routine at the Milan-Cortina games due to copyright infringement concerns.
Last-Minute Setback for Olympic Hopeful
Guarino Sabate revealed the disappointing news through social media, explaining that despite following all required procedures and submitting his music through the International Skating Union's ClicknClear system back in August, he was informed just last Friday that he could no longer use the program. The timing could hardly be worse, with the men's Olympic program beginning on February 10, leaving the skater scrambling to find alternative music for the biggest competition of his career.
'I followed all required procedures and submitted my music through the ISU ClicknClear system back in August, and I competed with this program throughout the entire season,' the skater wrote. 'Unfortunately, just days before the Olympic inauguration, I was informed that I am no longer permitted to use this program due to copyright clearance issues.'
Fan Favourite Routine Axed
Throughout the season leading to Milan-Cortina, Guarino Sabate has delighted audiences with his spirited performances featuring The Minions' rendition of the Universal theme song and Papaya remix. The skater has become particularly recognisable for channelling the beloved cartoon characters while wearing a distinctive yellow and blue overalls costume that perfectly complemented his energetic routines.
His free program for this season had been set to a medley of songs by The Bee Gees, but it is the short program featuring the Minions music that had captured the public imagination and established him as one of the most entertaining competitors in the field.
Olympic Community Reacts with Outrage
The news has sparked considerable backlash from the Olympic community, with fans taking to social media to express their disappointment and frustration. Many have passionately called for organisers to reconsider the decision, with one fan exclaiming, 'Are these people not full of joy & whimsy let the minion skate !!' while another lamented, 'Well. There it goes. The last thing in the world that brought me joy.'
Several supporters have directed their appeals directly to Universal Pictures, which owns Illumination - the animation studio behind Despicable Me - and NBC, the official US broadcaster of the Olympics. One user pointed out the apparent contradiction: 'Minions are owned by Illumination, which is owned by NBC, who has the exclusive TV rights to the Olympics…. @nbc make it make sense!!!!'
Not an Isolated Incident
Guarino Sabate is not the only skater heading to the Olympics this year who has encountered music clearance difficulties. Reigning world champion Alysa Liu recently revealed that she's unlikely to perform to Lady Gaga's 'Bloody Mary' at the games, despite using the 2011 hit successfully at the 2026 US Figure Skating Championships where she secured her ticket to Milan-Cortina.
Skater's Determined Response
Despite the significant setback, Guarino Sabate has demonstrated remarkable resilience. 'Nevertheless, I will face this challenge head-on and do everything I can to make the best of the situation,' he stated. Addressing his supporters directly, he added: 'To my fans: I wish I had better news, but I'm grateful beyond words for your support this season. I promise to step on the ice with everything I have and deliver programs that both you and I can be proud of.'
The Winter Olympics begin this Friday, with the figure skating community watching closely to see how the popular Spanish athlete adapts to this unexpected challenge in what should be the pinnacle of his competitive career.
