Figure Skating: Rink, Elements, Competitions & Skaters

Figure Skating Rink Specifications

The minimum area for a figure skating track should be 20 x 40 meters. This surface must be completely flat and free of any unevenness.

History of Ice Skating

Ice skating originated in ancient times when humans crossed frozen lakes and streams during winter, tying bones to their feet to glide across the ice. In the 17th century, ice skating evolved into a form of ballet on ice among the Dutch aristocracy. Seeking elegance and perfection, skaters began to synchronize steps, jumps, and other movements, laying the foundation for modern figure skating.

Essential Figure Skating Equipment

• Skates: Consist of leather boots and steel blades.
• Attire: Women typically wear skirts or short, tight dresses, while men usually wear elastic pants suits and shirts designed for flexibility.

Key Elements of Figure Skating

Step Sequences

Skaters glide on ice, performing turns, changes of edge, and intricate steps on the blade's edge. Small hops are allowed within sequences, provided they do not exceed half a turn in the air. Brief stops are also permitted in line with the music. Step sequences can be straight, circular, or serpentine in pattern.

Spirals (Angel Sequence)

This element is a requirement in both the women's and pairs categories. A spiral involves gliding on the ice on one skate while the other leg is kept elevated above the hip, creating an elegant line.

Jumps

Jumps may be performed alone, in combination, or in sequence. They are classified by the skate blade used for takeoff and whether the toe pick is used to drive the jump. There are six major types of jumps: the Axel, Lutz, Flip, Loop, Toe Loop (or 'Chopped Loop'), and Salchow. Depending on the number of rotations performed in the air, jumps can be single, double, triple, or quadruple.

Lifts (Death Spirals)

Death spirals are mandatory in the pairs category. In this element, the female skater describes a circle on the edge of her skate, maintaining a horizontal position close to the ice, while her partner holds her hand and supports her.

Linking Movements (Transitions)

These are any moves, steps, or small jumps that connect mandatory program elements, ensuring a continuous and fluid performance.

International Figure Skating Competitions

The International Skating Union (ISU) is the international governing body for figure skating, organizing most major competitions. The Olympic Games are co-organized with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Key competitions include:

• World Championships
• European Championships
• Four Continents Championships
• ISU Grand Prix Series
• Winter Olympic Games

Notable Figure Skaters

• Evgeny Plushenko: Seven-time Russian National Champion, six-time European Champion, three-time World Champion. Olympic medals include silver in Salt Lake City 2002, gold in Turin 2006, and silver in Vancouver 2010.
• Sasha Cohen: 2006 U.S. National Champion and silver medalist at the 2006 Winter Olympics. She also earned five silver medals, one bronze, and one gold at the U.S. National Championships, along with two silver medals and a bronze at the World Figure Skating Championships.