ICE SKATING - (Figure Skating)

dexa

one of my favourite sports actually -

kat Malaysia ni kena nak ice skating kena buat indoor aje -
masa kat oversea -- the best activity in winter will be ice skating -

nanti kita sama2 contribute tentang ice skating ni -

rasanya ramai juga orang malaysia yang suka ice skating -
ramai saya nampak kat sunway pyramid tu --

[ Last edited by  dexa at 27-6-2007 03:00 AM ]

dexa

Figure skating is a sport in which individuals, couples, or groups perform spins, jumps, and other moves on ice. Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner up to the Olympic level (senior), and at local, national, and international competitions. The International Skating Union (ISU) regulates international figure skating judging and competitions. Figure skating is an official event in the Winter Olympic Games. In languages other than English, figure skating is usually referred to by a name that translates as "artistic skating".

Major international competitions are sanctioned by the ISU. These include the Winter Olympic Games, the World Championships, the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, the European Figure Skating Championships, and the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships.

The sport is also associated with show business. Major competitions generally include exhibitions at the end in which the top-placing skaters perform for the crowd by showing off their various skills. Many skaters, both during and after their competitive careers, also skate in ice skating exhibitions or shows which run during the competitive season and the off-season

dexa

Figure skaters Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy

dexa

Sonie Henie - A legend Figure Skater
1924

dexa

Synchronized Skating

dexa

Alban Pr閍ubert sets up for an axe



Andrei Lutai rotates in the air



Elena Glebova performs a catch-foot layback spin



Sasha Cohen performs a Charlotte spiral.

dexa

The 1928 Olympic competitions
were competed outdoors.

dexa

Skater, 13, has eye on Olympics
By : Malina Jeya Palan



Dian Mahussin (left) is through to the Skate Asia championship and Bryan
Woo won four gold and one silver at Skate Malaysia 2007.

KUALA LUMPUR: Kimberly Wan Mei Wah抯 focus and determination as she glides through the ice belie her tender age.

Only 13, the budding figure skater has a maturity beyond her age and understands that there is no short cut to success.

Determined to achieve her dream of representing the country at the Olympics, she has worked hard towards her goal. Recently, she bagged two gold medals and a bronze at the Skate Malaysia 2007 competition, and has the makings of a champion.

While girls her age are at the malls or hanging out with friends, Kimberly attends the Ice Skating Academy in Sunway Pyramid where she has been honing her skills for the past seven years under the watchful eyes of her coach, Jenny Lee.

"I抦 in training six days a week for at least three hours per session; it抯 gruelling but it抯 worth it," she said matter-of-factly.

There were days when she wished she had more time to do other things, though, but she stressed that she had no regrets.

Relaxation is time spent with her friends at the movies or playing badminton with her father, retired army officer, Captain Wan Hock Leong.

She became interested in figure skating at the age of 6, after watching her mother, Ivy Wan, perform.

"I just enjoy it so much, it抯 so cool to be able to do jumps and the best part is, it抯 a great place to make friends."

The youngest of five siblings, Kimberly attends a nearby private school as the flexible hours allow her time for her skating.

She wants to pursue a career in veterinary science.

"I love animals, so multi-tasking is something that I抣l need to practise but my priority is still the Olympics, and if I don抰 make it, I抣l become a vet."

Mentor Ivy is understandably proud of her daughter.

"It抯 really important for young people to be engaged in sports and extra-curricular activities. As a parent, I think it抯 vital to their self-development," she said.

Dian Mahussin, 17, and Bryan Voo, 16, are the other young Malaysian skaters who performed well at the Skate Malaysia 2007 competition last month.

Bryan, who was hooked on the sport after receiving his first pair of skates at 7, won four gold and one silver medals.

Kimberly, Dian and Bryan will be going to Manila next month for the Skate Asia championship.

Senior coach Harry Janto Leo, of the Ice Skating Academy, is expecting great things from the young skaters.

"These kids are great. They did really well last year at the Skate Asia championship in Shenzhen, China.

"We (the academy抯 students) have won the Skate Malaysia championship for the last four years," he said.