Jordan Cowan has made history as the first camera operator on the ice during Olympic figure skating events, bringing a new dimension to the sport. At the Milan Cortina Winter Games, Cowan, a former U.S. competitive ice dancer, uses his unique position to capture intimate moments that traditional cameras cannot. His presence on the rink allows viewers to witness the raw emotions of skaters as they perform, providing an up-close perspective on their triumphs and challenges.
Revolutionizing the Figure Skating Experience
Dressed in an ice-white tuxedo, Cowan glides across the Olympic rink, carefully positioning his camera as competitors warm up and later take their bows. Although he does not film during the routines, he skates backwards after each performance, recording poignant moments that resonate with audiences worldwide. “To be the first person out on the ice at the end of their performance is such a privilege,” Cowan remarked. “The ice is a sacred place for a skater.”
This unique role was particularly significant following the performances of American skater Ilya Malinin. After Malinin helped Team USA secure a gold medal in the team competition, he joyfully celebrated with Cowan’s camera. However, following a disappointing final free skate in the singles competition, Cowan maintained a respectful distance as the skater processed his emotions. “I’m there to tell the audience, ‘It’s going to be OK, he’s still here,’” Cowan explained. “To see Ilya’s emotion really is just part of his story.”
A New Era for On-Ice Filming
While on-ice cameras have been utilized in sports like speed skating and hockey, Cowan is pioneering this approach in figure skating. After retiring from competitive skating in 2011, he transitioned to ballroom dancing and recognized how television could inspire amateur dancers. Thus, in 2018, he founded On Ice Perspectives, aiming to create viral moments from various levels of figure skating. Now, at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, he collaborates with the Olympic Broadcasting Services to provide footage for national broadcasters.
Cowan’s experience includes filming three U.S. Championships and the 2021 world exhibition gala, along with numerous international ice shows. He appreciates moments when skaters interact with him post-performance, often sending messages to loved ones or making heart signs. “For that brief window at the end of the program, it gives a special moment that we have never been able to capture before,” he said.
To master his craft, Cowan trains with Pilates and yoga, ensuring he can keep pace with the skaters while managing his camera. His custom rig features a lightweight steady camera mounted on an electronic stabilized gimbal, allowing him to maintain a level horizon regardless of the wind. He has also incorporated manual focus, cinema zoom, and wireless transmission into his setup.
Beyond competitive routines, Cowan is also responsible for capturing medal ceremonies and the closing gala, where top competitors perform signature moves. This presents a unique challenge, requiring him to anticipate the skaters’ movements to avoid interference while simultaneously capturing the action. His background as a competitive skater allows him to navigate these situations seamlessly.
To blend into the icy backdrop, Cowan has experimented with various gray and white outfits. “I’ve trained myself to be able to follow skaters without knowing the choreography,” he shared. “The perfect compliment I get is when the skaters say they didn’t even realize I was out there.” His commitment to safety and his ability to stay out of the skaters’ way remain his top priorities, enabling him to document their performances authentically.
