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How has figure skating technique evolved over the years in international competition?

Cal Olesen

Over the years, the sport of figure skating has undergone a significant transformation in terms of its technical evolution. The advancements in technology and changes in the rules have had a profound effect on the sport.

The jumps are one of the most fundamental elements of figure skating, and as with many other aspects of the sport, they have become more complex and challenging. The triple jump was initially considered one of the most formidable moves in figure skating. However, now it is relatively easy for most skaters. Instead, skaters have expanded their repertoire to quadruple and occasionally quintuple jumps. The quadruple jump that was first introduced in the late 1980s has now become a regular fixture in international competition. Many skaters can complete several quadruple jumps in a single routine, which would have been unthinkable a few decades ago.

Another area of change is the increased technical difficulty of spins and footwork. Skaters are now performing spins that are trickier and more challenging to execute than ever before. Skaters are required to spin rapidly on one foot and in a low position to receive higher scores. Footwork sequences have also increased in complexity, requiring more intricate and precise movements. The skaters must be focused to perform these intricate moves with such elegance that it seems effortless.

The collaborative effort between skaters and coaches has played a significant role in the technical development seen in international competitions. Coaches have worked tirelessly with skaters to develop new forms of lifts and increasingly intricate pair moves. The combination of the technical skills of the skaters as well as the precision of the performances has increased as a result of these joint efforts.

In addition, the advent of instant replay technology has allowed judges to evaluate and measure technical components more accurately. This has improved the accuracy of the scoring in the sport, as skaters can be objectively evaluated in real-time. This technology has played a vital role in improving the overall quality of the sport while maintaining the fairness of the results.

In conclusion, figure skating has seen a significant technical evolution over the years. Skaters are now performing more challenging jumps, intricate spins, and complex footwork. The sport has significantly changed, and change is always good as it allows the athletes to demonstrate their expertise continually. The international competitions have become more sophisticated, and the judges can now see all factors of the competitions in real-time to give a fair score that rewards an athlete's true skill. Figure skating's ongoing evolution signifies the athletic and technological growth of one of the most beautiful and inspiring sports in the world.