Full Breakdown
Copyright Issues Disrupt Olympic Aspirations for Figure Skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté
2/3/2026, 11:33:00 PM
Last-Minute Copyright Hurdles
Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté faced a significant setback just days before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. The six-time Spanish national champion announced that he would not be able to perform his short program, which features music from the "Minions" franchise, due to unresolved copyright clearance issues. Sabaté, who has performed this routine throughout the 2025-26 season while dressed in a costume resembling the beloved animated characters, expressed his disappointment in a social media post, stating, "Finding this out last Friday, so close to the biggest competition of my life, was incredibly disappointing."
Background on Music Licensing in Figure Skating
The International Skating Union (ISU) has been working to streamline the music clearance process for figure skaters, but the system remains complex and often confusing. Skaters are required to ensure their music is cleared for use, a task that can be daunting, especially with contemporary popular music. U.S. Figure Skating has collaborated with organizations like ASCAP and BMI to assist athletes, yet the responsibility ultimately falls on the skaters themselves. Alysa Liu, a world champion, described her own experience with music clearance as "pure chaos," highlighting the challenges athletes face in navigating these legal requirements.
The Broader Implications of Copyright Issues
Sabaté's situation is not unique; other skaters have encountered similar problems. For instance, U.S. pairs skaters Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier faced a copyright lawsuit during the 2022 Beijing Games, which underscored the legal and financial risks associated with music selection in figure skating. The ISU has acknowledged the ongoing complexities of music licensing, with director-general Colin Smith noting that the lack of a unified clearance platform complicates matters for athletes.
Official Statements and Responses
The ISU confirmed it is aware of Sabaté's situation and stated, "As soon as we have more details on this specific case, we will share them as appropriate." Meanwhile, Sabaté has indicated his determination to adapt, stating, "I will face this challenge head-on and do everything I can to make the best of the situation." He has also expressed gratitude for the support he has received from fans throughout the season.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the current music licensing system argue that it stifles creativity and undermines the artistic expression inherent in figure skating. Amber Glenn, a three-time U.S. champion, voiced her frustration, stating, "As an athlete, this is not something that we should be worrying about. That's not my job." The sentiment among fans has also been one of disappointment, with many expressing their desire to see Sabaté's whimsical routine at the Olympics.
What's Next for Sabaté
With the men's short program scheduled for February 10, Sabaté faces a tight timeline to either adapt his routine or revert to previous music selections. He may consider using music by the Bee Gees, which he has performed in past competitions. Despite the challenges, Sabaté remains committed to delivering a performance that resonates with both him and his audience, promising to "step on the ice with everything I have and deliver programs that both you and I can be proud of."
