The winners of the first-ever International Skating Union (ISU) Speed Skating Awards have been revealed during a special ceremony event, celebrating the outstanding performances, world champions, and world-record breakers who defined the 2025/26 season on the ice.
The Awards Ceremony took place on Sunday March 8th, following the conclusion of the ISU Speed Skating World Championships 2026 in Heerenveen, the Netherlands. The event marked a historic moment for the sport, as the ISU introduced a dedicated Awards program for Speed Skating designed to enhance athlete recognition by shining a brighter spotlight on their incredible achievements.
ISU President Jae Youl Kim addressing the audience at the 2026 ISU Speed Skating Awards Ceremony in Heerenveen, Netherlands. © ISU
This award recognizes the athlete who has taken the most impressive step forward from one season to the next in both results and performances.
Several athletes, who etched their names into the record books during this season were also honored during the ceremony, including: