What is the ISU?
The International Skating Union is the world governing body of skating — founded in Scheveningen, Netherlands in 1892, the oldest international winter sports federation, headquartered in Lausanne and governing figure skating, speed skating, short track and synchronized skating.[1] [2]
What does the ISU govern?
The rules and judging systems of all skating sports; the World Championships in each; the figure skating Grand Prix and speed skating World Cup circuits; world records and world standings; and Olympic skating events with the IOC — through national member federations on every continent.[2] [3]
Who leads it?
President Jae Youl Kim of South Korea, elected in 2022 — the first non-European to lead the union — steering reforms from raised age minimums to the sport's post-2022 judging integrity agenda.[2] [4]
Why does the ISU matter?
Every ratified score, world record, standing and championship in skating is ISU-certified — the sport's complete official record, published event by event since the 19th century.[1] [2]
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — International Skating Union. Accessed August 2026.
- ISU — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- ISU — results & world standings. Accessed August 2026.
- ISU — governance news. Accessed August 2026.