How One Judge Tried To Flip The Olympic Figure Skating Podium

Forbes Business

by Caroline Price, Contributor

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Adeliia Petrosian’s stumble during her performance in the 2026 Olympic women's singles figure skating competition didn’t deter one judge from awarding her gold-medal scores, highlighting a glaring issue of judging bias in the sport. This incident underscores the persistent problem of inconsistent and subjective scoring practices that have long plagued figure skating competitions. While falls and technical errors are typically penalized, Petrosian’s case revealed how artistry and interpretation can sometimes overshadow objective criteria, creating an uneven playing field for athletes. The article delves into the data behind this controversy, showing how judges’ personal biases and interpretations of artistic expression can influence their scoring decisions. This phenomenon is not new to figure skating but has resurfaced as a critical issue in recent years. The sport’s reliance on subjective criteria, combined with the pressures of high-stakes competition, often leads to争议able outcomes that leave athletes and fans questioning the fairness of the judging process. From a business perspective, this issue of bias in decision-making is not unique to figure skating. It reflects broader challenges in industries where human judgment plays a crucial role, such as finance, entertainment, and leadership hiring. The article highlights how inconsistent standards can undermine trust, fairness, and innovation—key factors that drive success in any competitive field. By examining the nuances of judging bias in figure skating, the piece offers insights into the broader implications of subjective decision-making processes in both sports and business. Ultimately, the controversy over Adeliia Petrosian’s performance raises important questions about how to ensure fairness and transparency in judging systems. As figure skating continues to evolve, addressing these biases will be essential to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the sport—and by extension, any competitive enterprise that relies on human judgment to determine success or failure.

Verticals

businessfinance

Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/20/2026