What Is 2016-17 ISU Junior Grand Prix

Overview

The 2016–17 ISU Junior Grand Prix was a season-long series of international competitions organized by the International Skating Union (ISU) for junior-level figure skaters. It served as a developmental circuit for up-and-coming talent, offering athletes global exposure and experience ahead of senior-level competition.

Spanning five months, the series featured events in seven countries, each contributing to a global ranking system. Skaters earned points based on their placements, with the top performers qualifying for the prestigious Junior Grand Prix Final.

• Seven competitions made up the series, beginning in August 2016 in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France, and ending in early December in Marseille.
• Eligible skaters were within the ISU junior age limits: 13 to 19 for women and 13 to 21 for men, depending on discipline and gender.
• Each event awarded points to the top six finishers, with 15 points for first place, 13 for second, 11 for third, and so on.
• The disciplines included men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance, all following ISU technical and judging regulations.
• Skaters could compete in up to two events, but only their best two results counted toward qualification for the Final.

How It Works

The Junior Grand Prix series operates as a cumulative points-based qualification system, designed to identify the season's top junior skaters across the globe. Each competition serves as both a standalone event and a stepping stone toward the Final.

• Qualification System: Skaters are assigned to events by their national federations based on ISU guidelines; each country can enter up to three skaters per discipline per event.
• Scoring Format: Points are awarded from 15 (1st) down to 1 (6th), and only the top two results per skater count toward Final qualification.
• Event Structure: Competitions include short programs and free skates for singles and pairs, and rhythm and free dances for ice dance teams.
• Final Advancement: The top six scorers in each discipline after all seven events qualify for the Junior Grand Prix Final, held in December.
• Host Rotation: Events rotate annually among ISU member nations; the 2016–17 season included stops in France, Croatia, Germany, Austria, Japan, Russia, and Spain.
• Judging System: All events use the ISU International Judging System (IJS), with scores based on technical elements and program components.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the seven events in the 2016–17 ISU Junior Grand Prix series:

The series highlighted emerging stars such as Alina Zagitova and Marin Honda, both of whom won multiple events. The Final in Marseille brought together the season’s best, setting the stage for future Olympic and World Championship contenders. The geographic diversity of host cities allowed broader international participation and exposure.

Why It Matters

The 2016–17 Junior Grand Prix was a critical platform for young skaters aiming to transition to senior competition. It provided competitive experience, international travel exposure, and a structured ranking system recognized by national federations and the ISU.

• Alina Zagitova, who won two events, went on to win Olympic gold in 2018, demonstrating the series' role in identifying elite talent.
• The competition structure mirrors the senior Grand Prix, helping skaters adapt to high-pressure environments and media demands.
• National federations use results to select athletes for Junior Worlds and other major events.
• Skaters gain valuable IJS scoring experience, learning how to maximize component and technical marks.
• Young ice dancers and pairs benefit from early partnership development on the international stage.
• The series fosters global camaraderie and sportsmanship among future leaders of the sport.

By combining rigorous competition with developmental goals, the 2016–17 ISU Junior Grand Prix played a vital role in shaping the next generation of figure skating champions.