Turin, Italy 2006 Winter Olympic Games

Olympic Figure Skating Analysis

After two weeks in Turin, I can say the new judging system works. Well, maybe. But at least more people seem to be getting comfortable with it.

Some still question whether the old political jockeying has been eliminated or if it is just cleverly disguised within the program component marks. The component mark is where judges grade a skater's interpretation and choreography.

Judges regularly watch practices. There's nothing wrong with that as they get a sense of what to look for in a performance, but it seems that a lot of these marks are determined before a skater even competes. The marks should be based on the skaters performance that night. A skater who normally skates with passion and speed may get nervous and skate a flat and uninspired performance. But it seems like the reputation of each skater predetermines their component marks.

The judges also seem to be holding back the components scores of competitors who skate early on. I witnessed some great skating in the earlier groups, but the judges' marks were conservative, almost as if they were waiting to see if later skaters would turn in better performances. This holding back of marks was probelm under the old 6.0 system that was supposed to be addressed. I will be eagerly waiting to see if this system will continue to evolve in the future. The legitimacy of the sport depends on it.

One deficiency of the new judging system is that all the skating programs are starting to look alike. The new system rewards certain moves, like pulling your skate blade to your head. We saw it on the lifts in pairs and dance, and the spins and spirals in ladies. Even some of the men were copying that move. The creativity of the choreographer is lost when skater after skater does the same move. It might be easier to judge, but it is boring to watch.

Below are a few of the Olympic figure skating highlights:

• The throw triple Axel: Rena Inoue and John Baldwin landed this incredibly difficult throw in their short program and in the process made Olympic history. I was surprised when John told me it was the first time they had ever put the throw triple Axel in their short program. It takes guts to try such a risky element in the short, where everything needs to be perfect. I have total respect for that.

• Dan Zhang's courageous comeback: Dan took a wrenching fall on the throw quad Salchow – a jump only a few pairs even attempt. She came through with an amazing performance to win the silver medal. Credit should also go to her partner Hao Zhang, who composed himself and carried them to victory.

• Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto's silver medal: I am so proud of these two. They have put ice dancing back on the map and have positioned themselves for the gold in 2010. They demonstrated what it means to be dedicated to a sport.

• The Olympic spirit: What I love most about the Olympics is the solidarity and respect the athletes have for each other. When you come back to the village, the atmosphere of friendship and peace makes you understand what the Olympics are all about: achieving ones best in accordance to de Coubertine's values.

Here are a couple lowlights:

• Low turnout for the pairs' event: I was shocked at the lack of attendance during the pairs short program – the first skating event. It was embarrassing to see so many empty seats at an Olympic event. Apparently, the sponsors were out sightseeing for the first couple of days. This coupled with the fact that the ticket prices for Palavela were too high. The organizers started to sell tickets for all practices at twenty euros. This was the most affordable way a family could see great skating and some behind the scenes action. This was great for both the athletes and the audience.

• Irina Slutskaya's tantrum: Some sad news the day after the ladies' free skate. Word was going around that Irina Slutskaya was so angry about her placement that she ended up throwing her bronze medal in the trash. Later reports confirmed this to be true. This is somewhat hard to take as I know Irina to be a sweet and jovial person with a sincere personality. Knowing the trouble Irina had with her own and her mother's health matters I think she wanted that gold too much!

Overall it was a great event. Congratulations to all the Olympic medalists and everyone who turned in their personal bests.

Updated on Saturday, Feb 25, 2006 9:24 pm, EST

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