21-year-old Cape Town figure skater Gian-Quen Isaacs.

Image: Supplied

A 21-year-old figure skater from Kensington has made South African sporting history, winning gold at an international competition in Poland after fighting back from sixth place.

Gian-Quen Isaacs became the first senior South African figure skater to win gold at an international competition when she claimed the title at Diamond Spin 2026 in Katowice on Sunday, 18 October.

She finished the competition with 152.73 points, narrowly beating Switzerland’s Sayra Bessire, who scored 151.78, and Poland’s Karolina Bialas, who took third place with 151.40.

But the moment almost passed her by.

“I didn’t even realise I was in first place,” Isaacs said.

She was on a call with a teammate, going over their programmes, when he suddenly shouted: “You’ve won!”

“I still didn’t believe him,” she said.

Even her mother’s reaction brought her back to the technical details of her performance.

“When my mother called, her first words were: ‘Pips, congratulations, but can we discuss that waxel?’” Isaacs said.

“That’s my mom. Even in a moment like that, she was still my mom and still looking at the technical details of my skating, keeping me humble.”

From sixth place to international gold

Isaacs was sixth after the short programme at Diamond Spin, an International Skating Union (ISU) international event, but produced a strong free skate to take the title.

The result was an important milestone, although she said winning a medal was not her immediate goal.

“My immediate goals were to qualify for Four Continents, which I’ve achieved at this competition, and the Senior World Championships, which I am yet to achieve,” she said.

“The medal was an incredible bonus and I think we’ve certainly started a conversation.”

Isaacs is an eight-time national champion, having won her first South African Nationals gold at the age of 10. She also won the Santa Claus Cup in Budapest at 12 and claimed senior national gold in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Her achievement adds to the growing profile of South African figure skating, with other local athletes also pursuing international ambitions. Cape Town figure skater Cody Kock has also been working towards competing at international level.

Middle, Cape Town figure skater Gian-Quen Isaacs on podium with Switzerland’s Sayra Bessire and Poland’s Karolina Bialas who finished second and third respectively.

Image: Supplied

From ice hockey to figure skating

Isaacs’ journey on the ice began when her mother signed her up for ice hockey at the age of seven.

Her coach, Megan Painczyk, recognised her natural ability and moved her into figure skating.

She now trains between Cape Town and Bergamo, Italy, funding her own journey. She also had to crowdfund her trip to Poland.

Isaacs said those who contributed were supporting more than the possibility of a medal.

“They weren’t just backing a potential medal, they were backing the athlete, the journey and the dream,” she said.

The financial pressure and lack of community support have made the journey difficult.

“Unfortunately, community support was largely non-existent. Fundraisers weren’t supported, and I experienced bullying during primary school because of my skating,” she said.

She has considered quitting, particularly when the costs of competing and training became difficult to manage.

“At least every second month. There have definitely been moments where the financial challenges and lack of support have made me question how much longer I can keep doing this.”

Her mother and the people closest to her have helped her continue.

“They remind me that I didn’t come this far, only to come this far,” she said.

‘We belong’: Isaacs’ message to Cape Flats girls

Isaacs has a message for young girls on the Cape Flats who may have sporting ambitions but lack access to opportunities and resources.

“Our worth was never in question. We have always had the talent, potential, determination and ability. Sometimes, what we lack are the opportunities, resources and platforms to demonstrate it,” she said.

Her next major ambition is to qualify for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.

But funding remains her biggest obstacle.

“Right now, my biggest concern is funding. The reality is that talent and determination can only take you so far without the necessary infrastructure and financial backing,” she said.

“The dream is bigger than me. It’s about showing the next generation that we belong, and that there is a place for South Africa on the world stage.”