Kimmy Repond: “Modeling is like a hobby for me. It helps me avoid burnout. I love it, but skating is my priority. My aim is to qualify for the Olympics and finish in the top six.”
Kimmy Repond on skating, fashion, and dreams of the Olympics
original source: Championat dd. September 16th 2025 by Natalia Boku
Swiss figure skater Kimmy Repond shared insights about her career and future in an interview with Championat, her first with Russian media. She reflected on her experiences training with Eteri Tutberidze and Alexei Mishin, her start in figure skating, and her aspirations for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics. Here’s a translation of her comments.
A Love for Oberstdorf and Seasonal Training
When asked about her time in Oberstdorf, Germany, she said, “I live in Basel, but I travel here throughout the season and in the summer to train with my coach, Michael Huth. Oberstdorf is special to me; I look forward to coming every time. Right now, I spend an average of three to four months per year here, often renting different apartments. Last year, I trained here for about two to three months, including two months in the summer and a few days during the season.”
Programs for the Upcoming Season
Repond highlighted unique elements of her routines: “My short program’s style is very different from anything I’ve done before. Part of the music for the step sequence was chosen by my sister Jerome, who found it a year or two ago. I sent it to my choreographer, David Wilson, and he selected a piece for the first part of the program. They go together beautifully, and I absolutely love skating to this music.
As for my free skate, it’s more classical and reminiscent of my program from two years ago. The music feels very personal to me, especially the first part, as I’ve heard it performed by other skaters in past competitions. It moved me so much that I decided to use it.”
The free skate features White Flowers Take Their Bath by Meredi, Mari Samuelsen, Scoring Berlin, and Jonathan Stockhammer.
Olympic Dreams for Milan-Cortina 2026
As the Olympic season approaches, Repond expressed her goals: “My aim is to qualify for the Olympics and finish in the top six. I also want to reach the podium at a Grand Prix event. The goal for the World Championships is the same – making it into the top six.”
From Piano to the Ice Rink
Reflecting on her beginnings in figure skating, Repond shared how she started at around five years old after seeing her older sisters skate. “My parents wanted me to try many activities, so I also tried swimming, gymnastics, ballet, and piano. I quickly chose figure skating and piano because I loved both so much. But at 13, when I moved to high school, balancing skating and music became too difficult, so I decided to focus entirely on skating.”
When asked whether figure skating “defeated” music, she explained, “I loved them both, but figure skating offered more opportunities for growth. With piano, you’re repeating the same notes, but every skating session is unique. I practiced four to six hours a day, and each session required new efforts and areas of focus.”
Training Experiences with Russian Coaches
Repond described her brief training stints in Russia. “I visited Tutberidze’s school about eight years ago while in Russia for a concert. I thought, ‘Why not train here?’ So I joined her school for two weeks. Later, in 2021, I trained with Alexei Mishin after deciding to focus entirely on figure skating.
Mishin left a strong impression. I really enjoyed working with him for two weeks – it was an interesting experience. Seeing how training differs across countries and comparing methods was fascinating. I’ve also trained in the Cricket Club under Brian Orser.”
Repond recalled her time with Tutberidze fondly but admitted she was too young then, at nine or ten, to fully analyze the experience. “I remember spending breaks exchanging slime toys with girls like Sofia Akatieva, who was one of my friends at the time. However, I didn’t interact much with the older girls as I was in a junior group.”
Forays into Modeling and Fashion
Repond also discussed balancing figure skating with her part-time modeling career. “Modeling is like a hobby for me. I love it, but skating is my priority. When there’s a conflict between modeling opportunities and competitions or training, I always choose skating. Still, modeling gives me a creative outlet outside of skating, which helps me avoid burnout.
I’ve been with a modeling agency for six months. While I haven’t walked a runway yet – fashion shows often overlap with competitions – I really want to try. Meanwhile, I participate in photoshoots whenever possible during the off-season.”
When asked about her interest in fashion, she said, “I’ve loved dressing up since I was a child. My friends and I used to hold photoshoots in the garden. My style preferences change daily, but I love wearing dresses – there’s no shortage of them in my wardrobe! Every time I shop with friends, I tell myself, ‘No more dresses,’ but I still end up buying one.”
Her favorite brands include Louis Vuitton, and after the World Championships in Montreal, she purchased a pair of Louboutin heels. “They were very comfortable, but sadly, my feet grew, and they no longer fit. I gave them to another skater at the Nebelhorn Trophy – I hope she wears them!”
Diet and Skincare
When asked about her approach to food and fitness, Repond said she focuses on balance. “I try to eat enough protein and carbs, with no strict calorie restrictions. It also varies depending on where I am – dieting in Germany differs from at-home meals or competition diets. As for skincare, I love makeup for events but keep skincare minimal, using Lubex cream and occasionally doing face masks.”
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