Seasons are changing and winter is closer than we think. You know what that means? Holiday movies by the fireplace and time for winter sports! More specifically, it's the season for ice skating! If you've ever been recreational ice skating, then you might remember what a challenge it is. Here's why ice skating at a competitive level deserves some applause!
1. It's like dancing, but on ice!
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Not only do you have to have the balance and flexibility that a dancer possesses, but you have to do it all on ice! As if balance wasn't already hard enough, now ice skaters have to gracefully dance across the ice rink while making it look easy.
2. There are sharp blades involved
Figure skates belong in a different category than hockey skates...Sharp angles are designed for spinning and don't forget about the toe pick at the front of the blade which allows for jumps. Talk about dangerous.
3. Power and speed!
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Whether it's moving from one end of the rink to the other during the fancy footwork section or closing in on that final spin, figure skaters are constantly moving at very fast speeds! There's a lot of technique involved to be able to accelerate and rotate that quickly.
4. Turns, flips, jumps and more!
It's not doing a backflip into the pool, not doing a backflip on the ground. No, this girl just did a backflip on ice skates. Ice skates?!?!
5. You can't be afraid to fall
Fear is not a word in this sport. After attempting thousands of jumps, it's inevitable that you are going to fall a few times. But this is part of the learning process and challenge that makes ice skating so difficult! You just have to pick yourself back up and try again.
6. When you hit that final pose, it's all worth it
The hours and hours spent on the rink, in training, strength building, and more have finally been worth it. You just nailed that routine for all to see! Own that final bow!
The most professional figure skaters make their routines look flawless and easy; it's their job! They are so graceful on that rink that fans may not truly understand how difficult their craft is. Not only do you have to be athletic, but you also have to demonstrate artistry. So here's an extra round of applause for all their hard work; can't wait to watch winter competitions!
