Imagine discovering your music is being performed on a global stage without your knowledge—by an Olympic athlete, no less. That’s exactly what happened to Canadian artist Seb McKinnon, whose song ‘The Return’ became the unexpected backdrop to U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn’s free skate routine at the Milan Cortina Olympics. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Glenn had been using the track for two years without issue, McKinnon took to social media to express his surprise, asking, ‘Is this usual practice for the Olympics?’ The situation quickly evolved from a potential legal dispute to a heartwarming resolution, with Glenn and McKinnon not only clearing the air but also hinting at a budding collaboration. And this is the part most people miss: the complex and often confusing world of music copyright in figure skating, a relatively new challenge since the International Skating Union (ISU) relaxed its rules in 2014, allowing skaters to use modern music. This shift has led to artists demanding rightful compensation, leaving skaters navigating a tricky landscape. For instance, Spanish skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate faced a last-minute scramble to secure rights for his ‘Minions’ medley, while Russian skater Petr Gumennik had to change his program just days before competition. Glenn, a three-time U.S. champion and outspoken LGBTQ+ activist, has also faced personal challenges, receiving threats after speaking out about queer rights during a pre-Olympics press conference. Despite these hurdles, she remains focused on her sport, celebrating her team’s gold medal and preparing for the individual competition. This story raises a thought-provoking question: How can the skating community better support both athletes and artists in navigating copyright issues? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
