Can Olympic Skater Find Hope in Minions Music Dispute?

The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are set to showcase a thrilling array of events, with figure skating featuring prominently. Amidst this excitement, Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate is poised to perform a routine to music from the Minions films, pending final copyright clearance from Universal Studios. This situation captures not only the competitive spirit of the Games but also highlights the unique interplay between sports and the arts.

Last updated: 10 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Winter Olympics officially commence on Friday, 16 February 2024, with events starting as early as Wednesday, 14 February, attention turns to the figure skating competitions. Sabate is optimistic about receiving the necessary permissions to perform his routine, which has delighted audiences in previous competitions. The International Skating Union (ISU) is actively working to resolve the final details concerning copyright issues, which have been a significant hurdle in artistic sports.

Key takeaways

• Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate may perform to Minions music at the Winter Olympics after Universal Studios reversed its initial objection.
• The men's figure skating event is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 20 February 2024.
• If the Minions music is not cleared, Sabate has a backup routine ready using music by the Bee Gees.

Timeline: how we got here

The path to the Winter Olympics has been filled with anticipation and challenges, particularly regarding copyright issues. Here are some key milestones leading up to the event:

• August 2023: Sabate submits his music choices through the ISU's ClicknClear system.
• February 2024: Initial objections from Universal Studios regarding the use of Minions music are raised.
• 10 February 2024: Universal Studios reverses its decision, granting Sabate the rights to use the Minions music.
• 14 February 2024: The Olympic events begin, leading up to the men's figure skating on 20 February 2024.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Sabate's announcement on 10 February 2024 about receiving clearance from Universal Studios represents a pivotal development. His spirited performances have garnered him a fanbase, and this news further amplifies excitement ahead of his Olympic debut.

What was already established

Prior to this week, it was known that Sabate had submitted his music choices in accordance with ISU regulations but faced challenges in obtaining copyright clearance. His performances at the European Figure Skating Championships had already showcased his flair and creativity, marking him as a rising star in the sport.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK viewers, the Winter Olympics represents a chance to engage with winter sports and cheer on athletes like Sabate. The figure skating events, particularly with unique musical choices, promise to attract a wider audience and increase viewership ratings for broadcasters.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses related to the sports and entertainment sectors may see increased activity due to the Olympics. This includes everything from merchandise sales to hospitality services that cater to fans and viewers engaging with the Games.

Policy and regulation

The challenges surrounding copyright clearances have highlighted ongoing discussions about intellectual property in sports. The ISU has indicated that they are addressing these issues, which may lead to changes in how music rights are managed in the future.

Numbers that matter

• 20th: Sabate's best finish at the Figure Skating World Championships.
• 6: Number of times Sabate has been crowned Spanish champion.
• 14 February 2024: Start date for events at the Winter Olympics.
• 20 February 2024: Date for the men's figure skating event.

Definitions and jargon buster

• ISU: International Skating Union, the governing body for figure skating worldwide.
• Copyright clearance: Permission granted by rights holders for the use of their music or content.
• ClicknClear: A system used by the ISU for managing music rights and submissions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Olympics commence, viewers can expect to see updates on Sabate's performances and any potential last-minute changes regarding his music. His short program will be one of the highlights for figure skating fans.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, the focus will likely shift to the evaluation of performances and the potential impact on athletes' careers, particularly for Sabate, who is making his Olympic debut.

Signals to watch

• Updates from the ISU regarding copyright issues in artistic sports.
• Performance reviews and rankings following the Olympic events.
• Fan engagement metrics, including social media interactions and audience ratings.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow updates from the ISU regarding music rights and performances.
• Engage with Olympic content through various platforms to support your favourite athletes.
• Stay informed about the outcomes of the figure skating events.

Don’t

• Dismiss the significance of music choices in figure skating; they can greatly affect performances.
• Assume that copyright issues are resolved until confirmed by official announcements.
• Neglect the importance of fan support in influencing decisions made by rights holders.

Checklist

• Check the schedule for the figure skating events to catch Sabate's performance.
• Follow updates from the ISU regarding music rights and any changes.
• Engage with fan communities to share support for athletes.
• Keep track of the event results and Sabate's performance rankings.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the clearance from Universal Studios is a positive development, there remain uncertainties regarding the finalisation of the remaining music rights for Sabate's routine. The ISU has cautioned that copyright clearances can be complex, and any unresolved issues could impact the performance schedule. Athletes and fans alike should be prepared for possible changes.

Bottom line

As the Winter Olympics approach, the interplay between sports and music rights has taken centre stage, particularly for Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate's anticipated routine. His journey highlights the unique challenges faced by athletes in the artistic sports realm. Fans eagerly await his performance, which promises to bring a vibrant flair to the Olympic ice.

FAQs

What music will Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate perform at the Winter Olympics?

Sabate hopes to perform to music from the Minions films, pending final copyright clearance from Universal Studios.

When does the men's figure skating event start at the Winter Olympics?

The men's figure skating event is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 20 February 2024, during the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

What happens if the Minions music is not cleared for Sabate's routine?

If the Minions music is not cleared, Sabate may use music by the Bee Gees for his short program, which he performed in the previous season.