Zoe Breingan, Ice Rink Venue Manager at Zayed Sports City, was always “the sporty one” growing up in Scotland. She started figure skating at just three years old and, while she wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up, she always knew it had to be “something connected to sport.”
Her career took a unique and creative path, leading her behind the scenes to coordinate ice shows and circus productions, collaborating closely with performers and athletes from around the world. Along the way, she built a multidisciplinary foundation in sport and performance, becoming a certified strength and conditioning coach, figure skating coach, and yoga teacher, as well as earning a postgraduate qualification in performance nutrition.
Since moving to the UAE in 2024, Zoe has spent the past year as a venue operator, combining her sporting expertise with event management and athlete support. Her passion has always been helping people perform, and feel their best, whether on the ice, on stage, or in everyday life.
Zoe has been immersed in sport since she was three, and she hasn’t slowed down since. Here’s a deeper look at her journey, her day-to-day, and the highlights that make working in sport so rewarding.
Describe your role.
I’m the Zayed Sports City Ice Rink Venue Manager, as well as an athlete, nutritionist, and figure skating coach. In simple terms, my job is to make sure the ice rink runs smoothly every day, support and improve our Skating Academy, and help grow and strengthen ice sports in the region. I wear a lot of hats, but ultimately everything I do is about creating the best possible environment for athletes to thrive.
How did you get started in sport?
I started figure skating when I was three years old, and from that point on, sport became part of my identity. At school I took part in almost every sport I could, but my biggest passions, still to this day, are figure skating, gymnastics, and yoga.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My mornings start with a coffee and an hour of skating before work. Once I’m in the office, I go through emails from the day before and start tackling my to-dos, which usually include Academy planning, coordinating with coaches, preparing for events like skating competitions, and working closely with the Ice Hockey Club.
After lunch, my afternoons are usually filled with meetings – maintenance, duty managers, and anything operational. After work, I train: strength, cardio, pilates, or off-ice conditioning, depending on the day. Then it’s dinner with my partner and catching up about our day.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your work?
How many hours go into juggling constant timetable changes, sometimes daily. It’s like solving a puzzle that never stops shifting.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing young skaters grow, develop, and gain confidence, especially when they compete. Positive feedback from families and staff also means a lot. Watching people fall in love with the sport makes everything worthwhile.
And what’s the most challenging part?
Handling complaints, especially when there isn’t an obvious solution or when circumstances are out of our control. You learn to stay calm, listen closely, and find the best path forward.
What’s one project, event, or moment you’re most proud of?
The ISU Junior Grand Prix at Zayed Sports City. It was the first time a competition of this level was hosted in the Middle East, and although our role was mainly venue logistics, I’m incredibly proud of how everyone came together to support it. Seeing it all run smoothly was a huge moment for us.
What excites you most about where sport is heading?
The increasing focus on women-more visibility, more research, more support, and a deeper understanding of their needs in sport. It’s long overdue and incredibly inspiring to see.
Who inspires you, in or outside of sport?
My dad. He coached rookie-level ice hockey well into his 70s and kept skating into his late 80s. He had the energy of a superhero and embodied true passion for sport.
What advice would you give to anyone stepping into your role or working in sport in general?
Really learn the sport, the culture, the community, and the politics. Every sport speaks its own language. When you take the time to understand the people and their world, the work becomes incredibly meaningful and rewarding.
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH ZOE
Favourite athlete? Yuna Kim & Simone Biles
Favourite sport to watch? Gymnastics & Figure Skating
Favourite sport to do? Figure Skating
Dream sporting event to attend? The Winter or Summer Olympics
A quote you live by? “The fears that live in your head are far greater than your reality – don’t overthink it, just jump.”
