Figure skating is a beautiful, artistic, and amazing sport that most people look past. They often only watch figure skating during the Winter Olympics to wait to see if someone will fall. Understandable. But the sport is way more than just watching people fall on their face and sparkly outfits, and in my opinion, should be more respected. Many people have a few misunderstandings regarding the sport.
1. It is not an art, it is a sport.
Many people often refer to the sport as merely "an art." Yes, it is an art, but it is also a competitive sport. So much athletic training and professional experience are crucial parts of a successful skater. It's not just prancing around on the ice looking pretty in a sparkly dress, it's hard work and determination.
2. There is a lot of science behind the movement of skaters.
It's crazy to think that all those jumps and spins are physics. Have you ever seen the movie "Ice Princess?" The main character bases her college entrance science project on the physics of figure skating. Jumps are based off of rotation and speed, and spins are often judged by how many revolutions occur in the spin. Science.
3. It isn't just for girls.
There are four disciplines of figure skating: ladies, men's, pairs, and ice dance. Ladies, mens, and pairs compete in two programs; the short program and the free skate. Ice dance competes in the short dance and the free dance. Many people often forget it's not just for ladies! There are even synchronized skating teams, which is the same thing as synchronized swimming, just on frozen water.
4. In fact, men's, pairs, and ice dance are VERY impressive.
Men's figure skating stands out because men often execute quadruple rotation jumps, simply known as "quads," which ladies often cannot execute. Pairs often perform quadruple throw jumps as well as side-by-side jumps and spins in perfect synchronization. Ice dance combines many different dances onto the ice with amazing artistry and synchronization, just like the pairs teams.
5. Skaters may spend years perfecting their technical skills such as jumps and spins.
Do you ever wonder what it takes to be an Olympian? Many skaters skate for most of their lives and train everyday for hours to reach the senior level. It takes so much hard work and focus to achieve success.
6. It isn't just for the winter.
When people think of skating, they automatically think of the Winter Olympics. Truth is, skating doesn't stop in the summertime, or anytime, for that matter. People all around the world train and skate year round in indoor facilities, so the fun never stops.
7. It dates back very far into history.
A study from the University of Oxford found that figure skating was practiced almost 3,000 years ago in southern Finland. Skates in the olden days of the 17th century were made from very sharp, carved bone and placed on the bottom of a shoe. The United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) was founded in 1921.
8. Spins don't make you dizzy.
People always watch skaters do amazing spins and different positions and are always amazed at how they do not get dizzy. "Don't you get dizzy? Don't you want to throw up?" The answer is no. Skaters rarely get extremely dizzy after executing a spin!
9. Choreography is a very important part of a program.
Choreography gives the program the extra beauty it needs, just like a dance. Choreography is very important and skaters are often judged by their artistry.
10. Even if a fall hurts, you get up and keep going.
One of the first things they teach you when you learn to skate? How to get up when you fall. When you fall during practice or in competition, you are taught to get up, dust yourself off, and keep going, which is also a very good outlook on life in general. Always keep going!
11. Years and years of hard work, determination, and practice make a great skater.
Above all, figure skaters spend much of their time doing what they love and trying to perfect their skating. Their hard work surely shows on the ice, and it is very beautiful for the entire world to watch.
