Figure skating at the Olympic Games facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Figure skating at the Olympic Games |
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| Governing body | ISU |
| Events | 5 (men: 1; women: 1; mixed: 3) |
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Figure skating is a popular and artistic sport where athletes perform on ice skates. It first appeared at the Olympic Games in 1908, during the Summer Olympics. Since 1924, figure skating has been a key part of the Winter Olympic Games, making it one of the oldest sports in the Winter Games.
This sport combines athletic skill with artistic expression. Skaters perform intricate moves, including jumps, spins, and footwork, often set to music. The Olympic events showcase different styles of skating, from solo performances to synchronized team efforts.
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Figure Skating Events at the Olympics
Figure skating at the Olympics features several exciting events. Each event tests different skills and artistic abilities of the skaters.
Singles Skating: Men and Ladies
The most common events are men's singles and ladies' singles. In these events, individual skaters perform two routines:
- A short program (or technical program) where skaters must include specific required elements like certain jumps and spins.
- A free skate (or long program) which is longer and allows skaters more freedom to show off their skills and artistry.
Judges score skaters on both their technical performance (how well they do the jumps and spins) and their artistic performance (how well they express the music and perform with grace).
Pair Skating: Working Together
Pair skating is another classic event. In pair skating, two skaters—one male and one female—perform together. They do many of the same elements as singles skaters, but they also include unique pair moves like:
- Throw jumps: The male skater throws his partner into the air, and she lands the jump.
- Twist lifts: The male skater lifts his partner above his head, she twists in the air, and he catches her.
- Death spirals: One skater spins in a low, extended position while holding their partner's hand, who is also in a low, extended position.
Pair skaters need incredible trust and coordination to perform their routines safely and beautifully.
Ice Dance: Grace and Rhythm
Ice dance became a medal sport at the Olympics in 1976. Unlike pair skating, ice dance focuses more on intricate footwork, rhythm, and interpretation of music, rather than big jumps and throws. Ice dancers must stay close to each other throughout their routine, showing off their partnership and flow.
Ice dance events usually include:
- Rhythm Dance: Skaters perform a routine to a specific rhythm or style of music chosen for the season.
- Free Dance: Skaters have more freedom to choose their music and create a routine that highlights their unique style and connection.
Team Event: A New Challenge
A team event was added to the Olympics in 2014. This event brings together skaters from different disciplines (men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, and ice dance) from the same country. Each skater or pair performs a short program or rhythm dance, earning points for their team. The country with the most points wins the team medal. This event adds an exciting team dynamic to an individual sport.
Special Figures: A Glimpse into the Past
Special figures were a very early part of figure skating at the Olympics, but they were only contested once, in 1908. This event involved skaters drawing complex patterns on the ice using their skates. It was a test of precision and control, but it was later removed from the Olympic program as the sport evolved.
Synchronized Skating: Hoping for the Future
Synchronized skating is a team sport where 8 to 16 skaters perform together in formations. While it has never been part of the Olympics, synchronized skating aims to be included in future Winter Games. It's a thrilling event that requires incredible teamwork and precision from a large group of skaters.
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See also
In Spanish: Patinaje artístico en los Juegos Olímpicos para niños
