Why We (or at least I) Love to Watch Figure Skating

Since I was a little girl I have always LOVED watching figure skating.  I love the pairs, women’s and men’s,  and now the ice dancing.  Granted, being a little girl, it might have had more to do with the sparkly costumes and the beautiful women gliding across the ice and flying through the air with the greatest of ease that fascinated me so.  The artistry and beauty of the routines, the choreography, the music, the jumps and twirls were mesmerizing to me.  They still are.  However, now, I have such a deeper appreciation for what these young men and women do in each performance.  THESE FOLKS ARE ATHLETES!  
I watch what they do on the ice with sheer amazement and awe.  

I think about disceting their routines and movement and taking it off the ice.  That means they are moving, leaping, jumping and twirling up to three times in the air before landing.  I think of the strength in their legs and core.  I think of the men lifting their female partners up and over their heads, often with one arm.  From that  position the female may perform a split, an amazing leg lift or be thrown into a spin only to land one one leg in a deep lunge.  Think of the arm strength, the core strength, the lower body strength, the flexibility and agility to perform the lift combination or jump coming from each person.  The focus and timing has to be impeccable.  Then to make the movement look artistic and effortless and beautiful. (These folks don’t bite their lips, grunt and swear and furrow their brows while performing their feats!)

Now take all of that amazing strength, speed and timing and move it to the ice.  They perform these ridiculously difficult moves while perched upon a tiny, thin little metal blade.  On slippery, fast, slick ice.  Really.  The physics of it all is unbelievable!  

Here are some examples of real strength, agility, and flexibility while using all of those elements with true grace, ease and beauty.  

Even if you don’t really like the sport I think it’s hard not to see the strength, hard work, and athleticism required of these skaters.  Even a guy’s guy like The Husband should be able to see and appreciate the ability of these Olympians and know that these folks are TRUE ATHLETES.  

I’m looking forward to watching more tonight!  I know it’s Valentine’s Day, but I’m sure that’s where I’ll be!   And I know this post has nothing to do with V Day, or the day The Husband calls the Hallmark created celebration, so apologies if you were expecting a romantic tale with a healthy twist, or a healthy treat for sharing.  Since I’m on Day 5 of the Sugar Detox my own boys aren’t even getting Valentine Candy this year!  And, by the way, Day 5 is SO MUCH better than Day 3.  YooHOO!!


So, are you a romantic at heart?  Love celebrating the day of love?  Do you love figure skating as much as I?  Appreciate the athleticism?  What is your favorite winter sport?  Getting ready for Olympic withdrawals?  What will we do at night when they are over?  


Happy Day to All!