Julia Sauter: Spectacular on Ice for Romania

From Europe’s ice rinks to the grand stage of the Winter Olympics, Julia Sauter continues to tell a story of love, resilience, and national pride that inspires every figure skating fan in Romania.

Few athletes have won the hearts of Romanian sports fans like Julia. Since first competing on the world stage for Romania, she has converted what was once a minor presence in European figure skating into a beacon of excellence and commitment.

A strong performance at the 2026 European Championships

Julia performed admirably at the 2026 European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield, England, among the continent’s elite skaters. Competing against the greatest in Europe, she finished 11th overall, demonstrating her technical prowess, artistic expression, and competitive grit. Her free skate was especially impressive, moving through the ranks following a more difficult short program and demonstrating the strength that has been iconic with her skating style.

While her highest European result remained a spectacular seventh place at the 2025 Europeans in Tallinn, a amazing moment in her career and Romanian figure skating history, this most recent championship established her status in the sport and hinted at even greater potential at the Olympics.

The Olympic Dream Comes Alive

Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, in addition to European gold. Julia’s qualifying comes after years of hard effort and represents an iconic point for her career and Romanian winter sports.

Proud to Bear the Romanian Flag at Milano-Cortina 2026

As if that accomplishment wasn’t enough, the Romanian Olympic Committee has awarded her even more: Julia Sauter will be one of the athletes to carry the Romanian flag during the major Olympic ceremony, as a show of national pride and acknowledgment for her incredible journey.

This moment marks a turning point for a sport that has long fought for recognition and support in Romania – not only for Julia, but for every young skater who aspires to dance on ice with grace, accuracy, and passion.

A story of perseverance and determination

Julia’s path hasn’t been easy. As previously reported on IBMagazine, she suffered emotional challenges, changes in coaching, and a difficulty finding full support early in her Romanian career. However, each difficulty strengthened her will to achieve — and to do so while proudly representing her chosen country.

Julia Sauter’s journey from her first top-10 European result to carrying the flag at Milano-Cortina is that of a real champion: daring in her aspirations, resilient in the face of adversity, and graceful in every performance.

We asked Julia how if feels to have achieved her personal best even though the pressure was quite high and being the baerer of our Romanian Flag at the ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games next month in Italy. She replied kindly as always and we thank her for taking the time to send a message to our readers.

“I am very proud that I have achieved my personal best, obviously after the short program I didn`t expect that I will have a personal best, so skating and managing that new personal best is a great feeling and I feel really proud. I am still dreaming about it. So, yes, overall I feel happy, I feel healthy, I am just going prepare now for the Olympic Games taking it day by day and i am very very excited that i am allowed to bear the Romanian Flag. I did not expect it but I am very happy and proud and I will keep these small moments in my memory forever.”