We talk with figure skating journalist Judith Dombrowski about her work with Golden Skate and Pirouette Magazine, and what it’s like conducting interviews in the ‘Mixed Zone’ at skating competitions.

Chapters

0:00 — Intro 2:06 — What is the Mixed Zone? 15:28 — Overcoming language barriers 18:12 — Skaters seeking content creators and alternative press 20:32 — A push to find “drama”? 24:40 — How much skating does a reporter actually see? 30:02 — Covering the Road to 2026 Event 33:56 — Familiar faces at events 35:45 — Best skaters in the Mixed Zone 38:50 — Looking ahead to next season 42:35 — US Nationals in our home area 44:29 — Wrap-Up

Figure skating journalist talks about working in the ‘Mixed Zone’

In this episode, we chat with Judith Dombrowski, a German figure skating journalist who writes for Golden Skate, and the german-language Pirouette Magazine.

Judith has been a fixture of the competitive figure skating circuit for several years, primarily conducting post-program interviews in the press area called the “Mixed Zone”.

After receiving their scores in the kiss ‘n cry, skaters advance to the Mixed Zone to speak with reporters, discuss their performance, and take photos. Judith often speaks with every competitior and team during a major senior event.

We talk about the format and compulsary nature of the Mixed Zone, how reporters and skaters overcome language differences, and how content creators can support and interact with the sport.

Judith’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judithdomi89/

Golden Skate

Founded in 1999, Golden Skate provides resources for the sport of figure skating worldwide. This includes interviews, features, videos, club listings, a discussion board and more.

• https://www.goldenskate.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/goldsk8/

Pirouette Magazine

Pirouette has been the leading magazine for figure skating in the German-speaking world since 1968. They introduce the stars of skating, look behind the scenes, portray personalities, report on results and records, and provide competition schedules.

• http://pirouette-online.de
• https://www.instagram.com/pirouette_magazin/