Figure Skating

Figure skating is both a sport and a kind of dance on ice. Skaters wear shoes with sharp metal blades called skates. They glide across the ice and do jumps, spins, and fancy steps. Skaters often perform to music in shows and contests. Figure skating takes years of practice to do well.

Moves on the Ice

Skaters do many amazing moves. Jumps like the axel and the lutz send skaters spinning in the air. Spins can be fast enough to blur the skater's body. Pair skaters work together and lift each other. Ice dancing uses graceful steps in time with music.

In the Olympics

Figure skating was the first winter sport in the Olympics. It was in the Summer Olympics in 1908 before winter games began. There are four main events: men's, women's, pairs, and ice dance. Skaters get points from judges for their jumps and style. The best skaters become world famous.

Fun Facts

• A figure skater can spin more than five times in one jump.
• Ice skates have been used for over 4,000 years.
• Early skate blades were made from animal bones.

Did You Know?

Figure skaters spin so fast that they can feel dizzy for several seconds after they stop.