figure skating

Prior to the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Russia’s oppressive anti-LGBTQ+ laws were called into question in relation to figure skating. On the other hand, athletes within the sport itself have made homophobic comments about the “feminine” nature of the sport.

Over the week, the junior women and men, as well as pairs and ice dance teams, showed off their talent — and there was plenty to go around.

Last week at the 2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the contrast between the singles disciplines on one side and pairs and ice dance on the other was clear: In singles, the U.S. has entered a new era, whereas pairs and ice dance are still dominated by the old guard.

Despite my seemingly everlasting skating fandom, I have never seen a figure skating competition live — and what better way to induct myself into it, than cover one from behind the scenes at the 2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships?

In 2022 and in the months that followed, Russian women’s programs have been just that: quad after quad after quad. Skating skills? Abysmal. Musicality? Barely.

In many aesthetic and weight class sports, emphasis placed on size and weight is directly intertwined with athletic performance, due to the nature of the sports. However, among all college athletes, the likelihood of being at risk for eating disorders rises regardless of their sports.

RAE creates a cycle for older athletes to be favored, since differences in physical maturity are likely to be mistaken for extraordinary talent or strength by coaches seeking players to invest time and money into developing.

With musicality, artistry and skills that seem so unattainable to the average person, figure skating boasts a global fanbase.

Raising glasses of grapefruit-flavored soju, we said to ourselves, “Everything's going to be gwaenchanah-a (OK).”

The 2020 Olympics may have been postponed, but that doesn’t mean we can't still retroactively enjoy them. Here are seven great Winter Olympic moments.