Spanish Ice Dancers Smart and Dieck Delight with Football-Themed Gala Performance

Milan, Italy – Spanish ice dancers Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck captivated audiences at the gala evening of the Winter Games in Milan on February 21, 2026, with a unique and spirited performance incorporating elements of football. The duo, representing Spain, skated to Chumbawamba’s 90s hit “Tubthumping” while dressed in Spanish national team uniforms and playfully interacting with a real football on the ice.

A Celebration of Spanish Sports Culture

The performance was conceived as a tribute to Spanish sports culture, offering a creative and lighthearted end to the figure skating competition. The gala evening, a traditional closing event for figure skating tournaments, provides athletes with a platform to express their artistry and passion without the pressure of judging or scoring. Participants often introduce props or unexpected elements to their routines.

Viral Moment for Dieck

Prior to the gala, Tim Dieck was the subject of a viral video during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. A video of Dieck meeting his girlfriend, Italian skater Sara Conti, during the national team parade garnered approximately one million views within 24 hours, though it wasn’t included in the official broadcast as reported on Facebook.

No Invitation for Gumennik

The International Skating Union confirmed that Russian figure skater Pyotr Gumennik was not included in the demonstration performances at the gala evening, despite earlier reports in Russian media as highlighted in a YouTube report.

Smart and Dieck’s Recent Performances

Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck recently competed at the European Championships in 2026, and performed the rhythm dance at the OI-2026 as noted on Instagram. Following their rhythm dance, they noted that competing was becoming increasingly challenging.