What Is 2020-21 ISU Junior Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020–21 ISU Junior Grand Prix was a series of seven international figure skating competitions for junior-level skaters, held from September to December 2020. Due to the pandemic, all events were conducted remotely or canceled, with only three competitions taking place in Austria.

Key Facts

The 2020–21 ISU Junior Grand Prix season included only 3 actual events instead of the planned 7.
All competitions were held in one location: Graz, Austria, between September and November 2020.
Due to the pandemic, skaters competed remotely via video submission in some events.
Only singles and pairs disciplines were contested; ice dance was canceled for the season.
The Junior Grand Prix Final was canceled for the second consecutive year.

Overview

The 2020–21 ISU Junior Grand Prix (JGP) was the 23rd season of the International Skating Union's annual series for junior-level figure skaters. Originally scheduled to include seven international events across different countries, the season was drastically altered due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

With international travel restrictions in place, the ISU restructured the series to ensure athlete safety while maintaining competitive opportunities. As a result, most events were either canceled or consolidated into a single location, marking one of the most unusual seasons in the competition's history.

All seven scheduled events were initially planned for countries including France, Poland, and the USA, but only three took place in Austria.
Competitions occurred between September 16 and November 11, 2020, with back-to-back events held at the Graztrainingszentrum in Graz, Austria.
Remote participation was introduced for some skaters, who submitted video recordings judged by officials instead of skating live.
Only singles and pairs disciplines were contested; the ice dance series was officially canceled due to logistical challenges.
The Junior Grand Prix Final, traditionally held in December, was canceled for the second year in a row, following the 2019–20 cancellation.

How It Works

The Junior Grand Prix is a points-based series where skaters earn placements to qualify for the season-ending Final. In the 2020–21 season, the format was adapted to meet health and safety requirements, altering how skaters participated and earned points.

Event Structure: Normally, seven events are held globally, but in 2020–21, only three were conducted—all in Austria—due to pandemic restrictions.
Remote Judging: Skaters unable to travel could submit video performances, which were evaluated by ISU-appointed judges using standard scoring protocols.
Discipline Limitations: Ice dance was suspended for the season, leaving only men's singles, women's singles, and pairs eligible for competition.
Points System: Skaters earned points based on placement, with the top performers qualifying for the Final, though the Final was ultimately canceled.
Eligibility: Athletes had to be between 13 and 19 years old (13–17 for men's singles) and meet minimum technical score requirements to compete.
Host Consolidation: The ISU centralized events in Graz to reduce travel, using the same venue for multiple competitions with strict health protocols.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the planned 2020–21 JGP season versus what actually occurred:

Aspect	Planned (Pre-Pandemic)	Actual Outcome
Number of Events	7	3
Host Countries	7 (USA, France, Poland, etc.)	Austria only
Disciplines	Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance	Singles and Pairs only
Junior Grand Prix Final	Beijing, December 2020	Canceled
Participation Method	In-person competition	Hybrid: in-person and remote video

The table highlights the extensive changes made to maintain continuity in the competition calendar. While the ISU succeeded in holding some events, the lack of international travel and reduced number of disciplines significantly impacted athlete development and qualification pathways. The reliance on remote judging introduced new challenges in fairness and consistency, though the ISU implemented strict protocols to maintain integrity.

Why It Matters

The 2020–21 JGP season underscored the resilience of the figure skating community amid global disruption. Despite limitations, it provided crucial competitive experience for emerging skaters aiming for senior-level careers.

Development Platform: The series remains a critical stepping stone for young skaters aiming to qualify for World Junior and senior championships.
Adaptation Precedent: The use of remote judging may influence future ISU policies during emergencies or for skaters in isolated regions.
Talent Identification: Coaches and federations used results to assess junior skaters’ progress despite the unusual format.
Global Equity: Remote participation allowed skaters from countries with travel bans to still compete and earn points.
Health Protocols: The centralized Austrian model demonstrated how international events can be safely managed during health crises.
Future Planning: Lessons from this season informed ISU’s approach to subsequent seasons, including hybrid formats and contingency planning.

The 2020–21 ISU Junior Grand Prix, though diminished in scope, played a vital role in sustaining competitive figure skating during unprecedented times, preserving pathways for the next generation of elite athletes.