What Is 2022-23 ISU Junior Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022–23 ISU Junior Grand Prix was a series of seven international junior figure skating competitions held from August 17 to December 10, 2022, culminating in the Junior Grand Prix Final in Turin, Italy.

Key Facts

Series consisted of 7 events across different countries from August to December 2022
Final scheduled for December 8–10 in Turin, Italy was ultimately canceled due to weather
Skaters earned points based on placements to qualify for the Final
Events featured disciplines: men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance
Age limit for participants was under 19 for most categories, younger for some

Overview

The 2022–23 ISU Junior Grand Prix is the junior-level circuit of the International Skating Union’s annual Grand Prix series, designed for up-and-coming figure skaters aged 13 to 19. This season marked a return to full international competition following pandemic-related disruptions in prior years.

The series served as a critical proving ground for young skaters aiming to break into senior ranks, offering exposure to international judging and high-pressure environments. Each event contributed to a global ranking used to determine qualification for the season-ending Final.

Seven events were held across the globe, starting with the Courchevel Cup in France on August 17, 2022, and concluding with the seventh leg in Gdansk, Poland.
Host nations included France, Latvia, Austria, Poland, Canada, Armenia, and Italy, reflecting the ISU’s global reach and diverse talent pool.
Skaters competed in four disciplines: men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance, each following ISU-regulated scoring and technical requirements.
Age eligibility required skaters to be at least 13 years old but under 19 (or under 21 for pair teams), ensuring a level playing field for juniors.
Each competition awarded points based on final placement, with the top six in each discipline advancing to the Junior Grand Prix Final.

How It Works

The Junior Grand Prix operates on a cumulative point system, where skaters earn qualification spots based on performance across designated events. Unlike the senior circuit, assignments are often influenced by national federation recommendations and past results.

Qualification Events: Skaters are invited by their national federations to compete in up to two of the seven events. Top placements earn points—1st place receives 15 points, 2nd gets 13, and so on.
Point System: The ISU uses a descending scale (15, 13, 11, 9, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) for the top 10 finishers, with ties broken by total segment scores.
Final Qualification: After all events, the top six scorers in each discipline advance to the Junior Grand Prix Final, provided they competed in at least two events.
Scoring Format: Competitions follow the ISU Judging System, with technical elements and program components scored separately and combined for a total.
Event Structure: Singles and pairs include short program and free skate, while ice dance features rhythm dance and free dance segments.
Host Rotation: Host cities are selected through a bidding process, with Latvia, Armenia, and Poland hosting for the first time in recent cycles.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2022–23 Junior Grand Prix with the senior-level Grand Prix series:

Feature	Junior Grand Prix	Senior Grand Prix
Age Limit	Under 19 (or under 21 for pairs)	No upper limit; minimum 15–17 depending on discipline
Number of Events	7	6
Final Qualifiers	Top 6 per discipline	Top 6 per discipline
First Event Date	August 17, 2022	October 21, 2022
Final Location	Turin, Italy	Torino, Italy

While both circuits follow similar formats, the Junior Grand Prix starts earlier in the season to accommodate younger athletes’ development schedules. The 2022–23 Final was scheduled for December 8–10 in Turin but was canceled due to severe weather, marking the second consecutive year without a Final. Despite this, rankings were finalized based on event results, and top skaters were recognized officially.

Why It Matters

The Junior Grand Prix is a vital pipeline for future Olympic and World champions, shaping the careers of elite skaters through structured international competition. Its cancellation in 2020 and 2022 highlighted logistical vulnerabilities but also underscored its importance in the skating calendar.

Development Platform: Many current senior stars, including Kamila Valieva and Yuma Kagiyama, first gained global attention through Junior Grand Prix performances.
Exposure to Judging: Skaters gain experience with ISU technical panels and international judges, preparing them for senior-level scrutiny.
National Representation: Strong showings boost a country’s reputation and can influence funding and training opportunities for young athletes.
Pathway to Senior Level: Success in the series often leads to senior national team selection and invitations to senior Grand Prix events.
Global Talent Scouting: Coaches and federations use results to identify rising stars for recruitment or training partnerships.
Resilience in Adversity: The 2022 cancellation demonstrated the need for flexible scheduling and backup plans in international sports.

The 2022–23 season, though ending without a Final, successfully showcased the depth of junior talent worldwide and reinforced the series’ role in shaping the future of figure skating.