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Jordan Cowan Becomes First On-Ice Cameraman for Olympic Figure Skating at Milan-Cortina 2026

His post-performance, backward-skating shots for Olympic Broadcasting Services give viewers intimate moments that traditional cameras miss.

Overview

  • Cowan, a former U.S. ice dancer, steps onto the rink only after routines to escort skaters toward the kiss-and-cry, filming while skating backward to stay unobtrusive.
  • Working for Olympic Broadcasting Services, he supplies live on-ice footage to rights holders worldwide during the Milan-Cortina Games.
  • His all-white suit and quiet approach help him blend into the ice, and several athletes said they barely noticed him even at close range.
  • He built a custom stabilized rig with manual focus, cinema zoom and wireless transmission, and prepared with Pilates and yoga to manage speed, balance and safety.
  • Viral clips include Ilia Malinin’s contrasting highs and lows, and Cowan is also covering medal ceremonies with plans to film the closing gala.