Gian-Quen Isaacs, a 21-year-old skater from the Kensington area, has made history for South African sport by winning a gold medal at an international competition in Poland after climbing from sixth place.
At the Diamond Spin 2026 judging in Katowice on October 18, Isaacs became the first senior female skater from South Africa to win an international gold medal. She finished the competition with a score of 152.73 points, surpassing Sayra Bessire from Switzerland, who scored 151.78 points, and Karolina Bialas from Poland, who took third place with 151.40 points.
Initially, Isaacs did not realize she had taken first place. She was talking with a teammate about their programs when he suddenly exclaimed, 'You won!'. Even her mother's reaction brought her back to the technical details of the performance. Isaacs said, 'When my mom called, her first words were: 'Pips, congratulations, but can we discuss this axel?'. That's my mom. Even at that moment, she remained my mom and continued to look at the technical details of my skating, keeping me in check.'
At the Diamond Spin tournament, which is an international event of the International Skating Union (ISU), Isaacs was initially in sixth place after the short program, but demonstrated a strong free skate to win the title. Although this result was an important milestone, the athlete herself noted that winning the medal was not her primary goal. 'My immediate goals were qualifying for the Four Continents, which I achieved at these competitions, and the Senior World Championships, which I have not yet reached,' she stated. 'The medal was an incredible bonus, and I think we definitely started a conversation.'
Isaacs is an eight-time national champion, winning her first gold at the South African National Championships at the age of 10. Furthermore, at 12, she won the Santa Claus Cup in Budapest, and in 2024, 2025, and 2026, she won national gold among seniors. Her success contributes to the growing popularity of figure skating in South Africa, as other local athletes also strive for international achievements. For example, Cape Town skater Cody Kock is also working towards international participation.
Isaacs' journey on the ice began when her mother enrolled her in hockey at seven years old. Her coach, Megan Painczyk, noticed her natural abilities and switched her to figure skating. She now trains between Cape Town and Bergamo, Italy, self-funding her travel. She also had to raise funds through crowdfunding for the trip to Poland. Isaacs emphasized that the contributors supported more than just the possibility of a medal. 'They weren't just supporting a potential medal; they were supporting the athlete, the journey, and the dream.'
Financial pressure and lack of community support made the path difficult. 'Unfortunately, community support was largely absent. Collections did not receive support, and in primary school, I was bullied because of my skating,' she shared. She even considered quitting, especially when the costs of competition and training became hard to manage. 'At least every two months. There were definitely times when financial difficulties and lack of support made me doubt how long I could continue.'
Her mother and closest loved ones helped her keep going. 'They remind me that I have come so far not to stop here.'
Isaacs addressed a message to young girls from Cape Flats who may have athletic ambitions but lack access to opportunities and resources. 'Our worth has never been questioned. We have always had talent, potential, determination, and ability. Sometimes we lack the opportunities, resources, and platforms to demonstrate it,' she said. Her next big goal is to qualify for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. However, funding remains her biggest challenge. 'Right now, my biggest concern is funding. The reality is that talent and determination can only take you so far without the necessary infrastructure and financial support.' she added. 'The dream is bigger than me. It's about showing the next generation that we belong here, and that South Africa has a place on the world stage.'
