Johann and Julia: Building a pair worth watching

In a sport that demands trust, resilience, and near-perfect synchronicity, Johann Wilkinson and Julia Mauder are proving what is possible when two determined athletes find the right partnership despite the odds and the oceans between them.

The pair met during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, connecting through icepartnersearch.com and quickly arranging a try-out. “Once Julia came to South Africa, it was a great match straight away,” they explain. “We decided to team up and compete as soon as we could.”

Since officially pairing in September 2021, the journey has been anything but easy. With limited resources, subpar ice conditions and few local pair skating opportunities, their early training environment was far from ideal. But they pushed through. “Moving rinks helped us improve a lot faster,” they reflect. “We were determined.”

That determination led them to IceLab in Italy, a facility renowned for its high-level coaching, year-round training consistency and a competitive environment surrounded by fellow elite pair teams. “Simplicity and consistency,” they say, is what drew them there. “Everything we need is in one place.”

Training days start at 7.45am and stretch into the late afternoon. “We have two on-ice sessions, warm-ups, lifts, ballet, stretching and gym work. It’s full-on,” they say. But the intensity has paid off. Over the past season, they’ve delivered strong performances, gained the Double Axel in competition and pushed their technical ceiling at events like the Bavarian Open.

Still, the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on Four Continents qualification lingers. “We’re basically right there,” they say. “We just put our heads down and kept working. Next season, we want to close that gap and push for Worlds.”

Part of that push includes debuting two new programs this year: a powerful and striking short program and a long program set to a medley of Elvis Presley tracks. “We’re also working on adding a triple flip throw and a triple twist,” they share. “Technically and artistically, we’re always looking to add more.”

Injuries have been a major challenge. From ankle and wrist problems to Johann’s recent back injury, the setbacks have been frustrating. But their mindset is steady. “We’re fit and ready to push through the summer,” they say. “This season has already been off to a better start.”

When asked what they each bring to the partnership, they answer with warmth and mutual respect. “Julia brings flexibility, beauty and attention to detail,” says Johann. For Julia: “Johann brings strength, power and he has an incredible ear for music. He even cuts our programs.”

Off the ice, they focus on staying grounded. “We love to get outside on weekends, cook, bake and just recharge.” Their pre-competition routine includes a few inside jokes and simulating their usual training schedule. “Jules always says: you compete how you train.”

They also stay closely connected to their families and friends back home. “We video call often and keep focused on our goals. It helps us stay motivated and celebrate the small victories.”

To aspiring South African skaters and young pair teams, their message is simple: “Don’t ever doubt what’s possible. We’re proof that if you really want something, no matter the obstacles or the distance, you can find a way.”

You can follow their journey on Instagram: @juliamauder and @johannwilkinson or keep an eye on their training base via @icelab_coe and @safigureskating.