Blades of glory?
The Winter Olympics are well on their way and of the 15 sports represented, there is one that rises above all else. That's right, I'm not talking about snowboarding or bobsledding. Nor am I talking about hockey or luge. The only sport that REALLY matters is figure skating. Why? I'm glad you asked. Sit back, relax and let me tell you why:
The outfits
A far cry from the bulky uniforms hockey players wear, figure skating has always been about telling a story. Much like any movie/tv show/musical/play, in order to tell a story... costumes must be utilized. They range anywhere from extreme theming (like the example below from the Sochi games) to the leotards and sleek, skin-tight suits one expects from a figure skater. If you're still not convinced, I recommend you google "Johnny Weir skating costume". You're welcome.
The technique
EVERYONE IS SO DAMN GRACEFUL! I'm not sure if you've ever tried skating before but each move looks so effortless when they do it and yet.... I have almost broken my ankles a million times by trying to duplicate what has taken them years to master. If triple axels and spins aren't enough for you, just look at all the jumps and lifts the skaters have accomplished this year. I mean, Mirai Nagasu was the first American woman to land a triple axel at the Olympics. Come on, that's impressive. Still not impressed? I have two words for you: Surya Bonaly. She's the only person to EVER land a one-bladed back flip (a move that was declared illegal AND SHE DID IT ANYWAY).
The music
When one thinks of figure skating, they think of soft instrumental music. WELL I'M HEAR TO TELL YA TIMES ARE CHANGING! Although it's been allowed for years in other competitions, the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang is allowing music with lyrics for the FIRST TIME. And yes, that of course means tracks by Beyoncé have made an appearance. That being said, the surprise hit of the Olympics has been the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. Below you'll see Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue expertly utilizing the sensual soundtrack (AND THE ROUTINE THAT SECURED THEM THE GOLD)!
The chemistry
Speaking of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir... HOT DAMN. These two are allegedly NOT dating (which is something I find hard to believe/refuse to believe... especially after his slip up in the Newlywed Game). And yet, they're not even the only pair in the games that give off the "will they, won't they" vibe. Even single skaters have to have a chemistry with the music/the audience in order to appropriately tell the story (and thus get the points) they need to win. But seriously, look at this gif and tell me you don't think these two are 100% hooking up.
The scandal
Name a scandal and it's probably happened in figure skating. The sport is FIERCELY competitive and due to that there's been everything from collusion with the judges to a full on attack. Not only are there scandals, there is almost ALWAYS drama (both ON and OFF the ice). You know you're in for a good time when you turn the sport on (or even if you just google "figure skating drama"). Although the most famous figure skating scandal is probably Tonya Harding versus Nancy Kerrigan (immortalized in the 2017 film I, Tonya).
The skaters
These are the athletes that are at the TOP of their game so of course they're going to be GORGEOUS. Beyond that, figure skaters have some of the biggest personalities and are almost instantly considered their country's sweetheart (well... depending on how their Olympics go). This isn't to say that other athletes don't have big personalities but the figure skaters have my heart. I mean, just look at Adam Rippon and try to tell me you don't want to be his best friend.
I could go on and on and on and on about the sport and why it's the best (no, seriously... I could) BUT I don't want to keep you here all day. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself. Whether it's Evgnia Medvedeva skating as Sailor Moon or Johnny Weir embracing his inner Lady Gaga, figure skating has so much to offer and is well worth a look.
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