Vancouver is ready to host the 2010 Winter Games. Can Team GB enjoy new glory in the figure skating?(credit:
janusz l)
What is it?
OK, we are on safe ground with this one right? There are surely a good few memories to latch on to - Torvill and Dean, Robin Cousins, John Curry, Betty Callaway, Nancy Kerrigan's knee cap.
The individual event consists of a short programme (up to two minutes 50 seconds) made up of required moves and steps. Then there is a free programme (four minutes to four minutes 30 seconds) which is set to music. That, basically, is the bit you'll remember. Nine judges score each part but only seven are counted. It is worth two-thirds of the overall marks. The pair works exactly the same way except, of course, the judging takes into account how closely the duo work in unison.
In ice dance, there are less technical requirements (though there are still a few) and more expression. There is one compulsory dance, an original dance and a free dance. Again the judges determine the winner.
History
Figure skating is another sport that began in the summer games, London 1908 to be precise, and switched seasons. Ice dancing came in at Innsbruck in 1976. Jackson Haines is credited as the originator of the event. In the 1860s the Austrian wowed his home crowd with flamboyant choreography and colourful costumes. It was a far cry from the dry figures of the sport that preceded it.
Who to watch
Evan Lysacek (8.0 on Betfair to win the gold medal) of the United States was fourth in Turin four years ago but skated out of his skin to win the 2009 world title. However, reigning champion Evgeni Plushenko (1.56) will push him all the way.
Fact
Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany finished 17 points ahead of their nearest rivals in the 2009 World Ice Dance Championships. A mighty margin.
Best Bet
In a sport based on judges' scorecards, the crowd reaction can mean a lot. Canada's Patrick Chan (10.0) will have a lot of home backing in the men's figure skating. He is also the 2009 world silver medallist.