It has been a little quiet here on the blog recently, as I’ve been away in Europe taking part in adult ice skating competitions in Oberstdorf, Germany - one of the most special events in the adult skating calendar.

The conditions were certainly a surprise, with summer heat reaching 30–35°C. It felt almost surreal to step out of the rink and into such extreme warmth, where the best place to be was either inside the ice arena or high up in the mountains. Thankfully, the gondolas to Nebelhorn were running, and we managed to escape the heat a few times, even taking photos in our skating dresses at the top with breathtaking alpine views.

Beyond the competition, it was a wonderful time filled with training camps, reconnecting with old friends, meeting new skating communities, and of course, enjoying all the amazing European cakes and food along the way.

I was incredibly happy to come home with some beautiful memories from the event, including 2nd place in my free skating program and the opportunity to perform my artistic program for the first time at an international level. It was truly a rewarding and inspiring experience.

If you'd like to see more from the trip, you can also find highlights on my Instagram: @olgalevien.

Shortly after returning home (and slightly battling jetlag), it was straight back into my usual role behind the camera—this time photographing another exciting local competition in Auckland.

The Glenburn Championships brought together skaters of all ages and levels for a weekend full of passion, energy, and beautiful performances. From the youngest beginners to experienced adult skaters, everyone shared the same love for the sport, creating an incredible atmosphere on the ice.

It’s always inspiring to witness the dedication and progress within the skating community here in New Zealand. Every program tells a story - of hard work, persistence, and joy for skating.

After the intensity and inspiration of Europe, it felt very special to return straight into this local competition environment, continuing to capture those powerful, fleeting moments on the ice.

Enjoy highlights from the Glenburn Championships - another beautiful weekend of skating in Auckland.