Let’s learn about: Figure Skating (1 Viewer)

Ahsoka · 20 November 2022

Figure skating involves individuals, pairs, or groups performing on figure skates. Figure skating originated in the mid 19th century. American skater Jackson Haines, often called the father of figure skating, introduced an expressive form of skating, which became more popular in Europe.
There are many different categories, with Olympic categories being mens singles, women’s singles, pair skating, and ice dance, and with non Olympic categories including synchronized skating, Theater on Ice, and four skating. Generally skaters will do a short program and a free skate, and depending on the discipline will include jumps, spins, moves in the field, lifts, throw jumps, death spirals, and more elements. The event was the first winter event to be included in the Olympics, being included in the 1908 summer Olympics. The ISU (International Skating Union) regulates international competition, such as the Winter Olympics and world championships. Most major competitions conclude with a gala (a non competitive skate where top skaters perform a show). Competitive skaters also take part in ice skating shows while they’re competitive skaters and after.
Figure skates differ from ice hockey skates primarily in that they have jagged front ends, called toe picks, to help with jumping. I’ve dancers have the toe pick but it is smaller than single and paired skating skates. Blades are about 4.7 mm thick, or 3/16 of an inch. They are not flat, but have an indent in them. An image will be shown below.

There are other modifications or types of blades as well.
Figure skating is scored on base value and execution of each element. Levels of difficulty range from B to Level 4. In their short program, skaters must perform 7 elements minimum and 12 elements minimum in their free skate. Deductions are given for falls.
The type of jump can be divided into 2 categories: toe jumps and edge jumps. Toe jumps involve using the toe pick to take off from the ice. Edge jumps do not use the toe pick when jumping. Both are further divided into categories based on the foot and edge the jump takes off from. There are other transitional jumps used throughout routines. Jumps can also be performed in a combination for extra points.
For spins, there are 3 categories of spins. The categories are upright, sit spin, and camel spin. Spins can also be done in combination. They can also be done out of a jump, these are called flying spins.
Lifts are elements of paired skating and ice dance. In ice dance, lifts are not allowed to go over shoulder height, in pairs they generally go overhead. There are many types of legal holds, and they may travel across the ice or be stationary. Twisting lifts involve the thrower to throw their partner, the partner twists in the air, and is caught by the thrower.
Figure skating involves music, typically without lyrics, as part of their routine. Costumes are also used, with women being allowed dresses or pants(as of 2004) and men being allowed only pants. The costumes for ice dance and paired skating did not need to match. They are often fancily decorated, but will receive a decision if a part of the costume falls on the ice.
Injuries in figure skating are relatively common, as are eating disorders. Injuries can also happen during practice session with multiple skaters on the ice.

Wow I wrote a whole essay

@Yuzuru
Source was Wikipedia.

Boyo · 20 November 2022

Great thread, Vikki!

Btw, my fav figure skater is Yuzuru

But I watch it since a long time, I liked Plushenko, Lambiel and Daisuke before.

Ahsoka · 20 November 2022

Hakunama_Tata said:
Great thread, Vikki!
Btw, my fav figure skater is Yuzuru
But I watch it since a long time, I liked Plushenko, Lambiel and Daisuke before.

Thank you thank you

Yuzuru was my introduction to the song “The Music of the Night” and he’s definitely a phenomenal skater imo.