When an accomplished Olympic athlete is also a professional artist, their story often reveals how one discipline fuels the other. For Romanian speed skater and illustrator Alexandra Ianculescu, the two worlds of sports and artistry naturally connect. Alexandra participated in the Olympian Artists Program ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, where she led a public “Draw Your Olympic City” illustration workshop in Milan as part of the Olympic Museum’s cultural programming. Read on for more about Alexandra, her athletic background, her creative work, and the Olympian Artists Program.
Getting To Know Alexandra Ianculescu
Before dedicating more time to art, Alexandra Ianculescu built an impressive career as an Olympic speed skater. She trained and competed within the Canadian speed skating system for years before earning a place on the Canadian National Senior Team for the World Cup Circuit. She later represented Romania, her country of birth, at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics in the 500 meter event.
Over the course of her skating career, Alexandra competed in more than 48 World Cup events and two World Sprint Championships and continued to break Romanian national records in the 500 and 1000 meter distances. Today, she remains active in sport and is working toward qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in cycling.
Alex’s Art & Creative Work
Outside of competition, Alexandra works as a visual artist, illustrator, and designer. Her paintings and mixed media pieces often reflect the movement and sense of flow she associates with speed skating. She also founded NinetyOne Collective, a technical apparel brand that specializes in custom suits for speed skaters and cyclists.
For the 2025 to 2026 season, more than eight international teams will be wearing her designs on the Olympic stage, including athletes in both speed skating and bobsleigh.
Alexandra works out of Studio 91, where she produces individual commissions and team designs. Her art blends her background in elite sport with her growing portfolio as a designer.
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