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huesofblue · 4 years ago

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Gliding Across the Ice for Victory (Pt. II)

With the background information of figure skating now done and discussed, we will now move on to the main reason for this review blog: Full Match of the Women’s Singles Short Program of Figure Skating from the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Now, I would just like to put a disclaimer up that since I am not at all familiar with the lingos associated with this sport, they will not be used as much in this blog – if at all, really. If they do come up and did not seemed to be used correctly, then I apologize in advance for any mistakes.

For reference, we will be watching the match through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEtYYtwX1sM

Because there were 30 competing athletes in this Olympic short program figure skating match at the Gangneung Ice Arena, there were 5 groups created with break gaps in between. Bearing in mind there were 6 skaters in each group, the order of performers were as follows:

Bradie Tennell, USA;

Isadora Williams, Brazil;

Anna Khnyechnkova, Ukraine;

Diana Nikitina, Latvia;

Kim Hanul, South Korea;

Anita Oestlund, Sweden;

Li Xiangning, China;

Alexia Paganini, Switzerland;

Aiza Mambekova, Kazakhstan;

Emmi Peltonen, Finland;

Larkyn Austman, Canada;

Mae Berenice Meite, France;

Kailani Craine, Australia;

Ivett Toth, Hungary;

Giada Russo, Italy;

Loena Hendrickx, Belgium;

Nicole Schott, Germany;

Nicole Rajicova, Slovakia;

Kaori Sakamoto, Japan;

Mirai Nagasu, USA;

Gabrielle Daleman, Canada;

Karen Chen, USA;

Elizabet Tursynbaeva, Kazakhstan;

Choi Dabin, South Korea;

Evgenia Medvedeva, OAR;

Satoko Miyahara, Japan;

Kaetlyn Osmond, Canada;

Alina Zagitova, OAR;

Carolina Kostner, Italy; and

Maria Sotskova, OAR.

Group 1

Starting the performance of the 1st group was Bradie Tennell who was representing USA. Skating to Taeguki by Dong-jun Lee, she was dressed in a velvet-looking red number. Tennell began her program with artistic movements, moving gracefully across the ice and building up her momentum for the first required element. She successfully landed a Triple Lutz jump as part of her opening combination, but failed to land on her feet for the next component. Personally, I think her fall was caused by the diminished strength on her landing foot, that which was maybe caused by her previous jump. She had dropped her weight too much on her landing foot, not evenly spacing it out, which then caused her to fail the landing on the next triple jump. Nonetheless, Tennell picked herself up and continued on to do a series of beautiful spins with defined lines and a neat execution for her second required element. Not long after that, she was able to land a Triple Loop jump – after the step sequence – that I believe was done cleanly, and another jump right near the end. As the announcer said after she finished, Tennell had performed a clean set despite missing the triple combination. Had she not made the mistake in the triple jump after the Lutz, I believe she would have posed a stronger front against her competitors. Right after the replay of her spins and jumps, her score came up to 64.01 points – 35.50 for technical elements, 29.51 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The next performer was Isadora Williams from Brazil, and wearing a pretty lilac dress, she was going to be skating to Hallelujah performed by K.D. Lang. Just from the opening movements she did at the beginning of her program, I could already see how well in-tune Williams was with her body, moving with a certain sharpness that I cannot explain properly and an emotion that could be felt even through a screen. She did a Triple Lutz-Double Toe combination, a relatively safe decision, as the opening jump, and she did it cleanly and unhesitatingly, further proving her improvement from her previous games. She did a Triple Loop after that, and it was also executed neatly. Her spins were also nicely done, though I believe not as defined as Tennell’s. She soon completed the required jumps of her program with the Double Axel, and went on to do a series of spins and minor artistic jumps that added to the artistry of her performance, as well as executed her step sequence too. Williams had done remarkably smart choices for her program, and despite missing that bravely risky confidence – having gone for the sure and neat route – she did very well for her performance. Right after the replay of her program, her score came up to 55.74 points – 29.83 for technical elements, 25.91 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Anna Khnyechnkova, representing Ukraine, was up next, and she was going to be skating to Sorongo, Street Passions by Didulia in a black dress fit with gold and red details. Right from the beginning of her program, there was already much power in her movements. She did a Double Axel as her opening jump, and it was well-executed. Like Tennell, she also wasn’t able to land the second jump of her combination set, having done a good Triple Toe but unfortunately didn’t deliver as good for the next jump. I believe she failed so because she wasn’t able to build up the speed properly from the Triple Toe, which then costed her the execution of her next triple jump. She did a few spins and artistic movements then, as she built up for momentum for her Triple Lutz; however, she unfortunately wasn’t able to land that one as well. Now, I’m not sure of the accurate technicalities, but I believe she wasn’t able to land the Triple Lutz due to her incorrect footwork and lack of speed and momentum. Moving on, she continued with her program and soon brought it to a finish after completing the rest of the required elements. Personally, I could tell that there was a lot going on in her performance, feeling as though there was just maybe too much that her movements hadn’t harmonized well with each other. Nevertheless, she still performed well and nicely, despite her errors. Right after the replay of her performance, her score came up to 47.59 points – 26.66 for technical elements, 22.93 for presentation, and -2.00 for deductions.

Up next was Diana Nikitina for Latvia, and she was going to be skating to Soldier of Love by Sade in a black pant-one-piece fit. Before she began, I felt that she had a bit of a strong aura to her, a type of confidence that was really only furthered due to the ensemble she was wearing – and that was a good thing because it made me had high hopes for her. Her program started with a series of movements that complemented the music she was moving along to. Her jump combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Toe was very neatly and nicely done – there was no sensed hesitance, and it was delivered strongly and confidently, but later, the judges had come to the decision that it was, sadly, under rotated. Her next jump was a Triple Flip, and while she did change it to a Triple Loop, it was still done well and surely. She also did a Double Axel after a required spin element, and according to the announcer, it had a nervy landing but was still delivered well. She went on to perform her required combination of spins next, and soon, she was able to bring her program to a close with pride on her face. Personally, I think she did really well, especially at the fact that she made her performance work despite her tall height. I think she just needs to improve on the accuracy of her movements, like the build up towards her jumps, and her footwork as well – but other than that, she did a good job on executing her program. Following the judges’ deliberation and the review of her jumps and spins, her score was announced, and it had come up to 51.12 points – 26.35 for technical elements, 24.77 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Following Nikitina was Kim Hanul of South Korea, and dressed in a brown dress with a white collar and shoulder top, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of The Piano. She began her program not long after she got on the ice, and right off the bat, one could sense the somewhat innocent feel to her movements. She moved softly, gently and gracefully – I couldn’t even tell that she was building up to her opening jump combination (a Triple Lutz and Triple Toe) and even then, once she landed on her foot for both jumps, the elements were done impressively and remarkably well. There was no hesitance, no apparent nervousness – her movements just blended well with each other, and her jumps were no exception to her exertion of accuracy and confidence. The speed of her spins was quick yet neat and sure, and her speed didn’t even stop there. She then did a Triple Loop that, honestly speaking, I thought wasn’t going to be successful because of the height of her jump, but she did not disappoint at all, in that her rotations were fast enough to land her successfully on her foot. She did a Double Axel after that too, and it was also as nicely and cleanly done, similar to her previous jumps. Her next spins before she finished her program were also done quickly yet cleanly, and soon, she finished her performance to a successful end. After the judges’ recheck of her program as well as the review of her elements, her score was announced, and it had come up to 54.33 points – 29.41 for technical elements, 24.92 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

The last performer for the 1st group was Anita Oestlund, representing Sweden, and in a fuchsia-colored dress, she was going to be skating to Carmen Fantasie by David Garrett. She began with large movements, building up to what would have been a Triple Lutz – unfortunately, once she got to its execution, she had only done a Single Lutz, and according to the announcer, that one was going to be costly of her score. Her next spins, though, were very nicely done – low and centered, a hard feat to achieve, especially with a height like hers. The execution of her footwork for the step sequence was also clean, but when it came to her jump combination, she unfortunately made an error on the second jump, almost falling flat on herself – thankfully, she was able to catch her balance and land wobbly on her foot, nearly flattening her hand on the ice to save herself. Like a true professional, she went on with her program and performed a Double Axel before launching into her required spins. Personally, I think that the reason why she had backed down from the Triple Lutz and did a Single Lutz instead was because she had momentarily lost the will and confidence to do it. I don’t know what went on in her head during that time, but from what I could see, her nerves had probably gotten the best of her, which unfortunately costed her a huge loss on her final score. Moreover, for her error on the second jump, I think Oestlund lacked the weight on her landing, which caused her to wobble and almost fall. Other than that, everything else was pretty good. And soon, the announcement of her scores came: 49.14 points – 25.35 for technical elements, 23.79 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 2

The 1st group finished and on went the 2nd group, with Li Xiangning representing the People’s Republic of China. Wearing a blue-colored ombré dress, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Nuovo Cinema Paradiso. Beginning her program nicely, her first jump as the required element was unfortunately unsuccessful because she had landed on her backside rather than on her foot. I think this was because she had leaned too far out on the outside edge of her skate, which caused her to lose balance. Nevertheless, the show must go on, and so did she. Her spins were remarkable – quickly and neatly executed for the first combination, and good and even for the second combination. She also did a jump combination out of a Triple Lutz and a Double Toe, and that too was done cleanly and well. Following that was a Double Axel, and even though the height was a bit lower for comfort, Li was still able to deliver that properly and land on her foot neatly. Her step sequence was so graceful and clean, and her ending spins were impressive, as well. To conclude her part of the match, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 52.46 points – 27.27 for technical elements, 26.19 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The second skater to perform was Alexia Paganini for Switzerland. In a lilac-blue dress, she was going to be skating to Forbidden Love from Romeo and Juliet. Her opening jump combination was two sets of a Triple Toe, and everything was executed spotlessly. They were accurate, sure, and unhesitant; she had a good form as well as a good landing. Her next jump was a Triple Loop that was also executed cleanly and impressively. Not only that but her Double Axel was also neatly successful. All that’s left for her were the other required elements such as the spins. Her footwork though was a little messy, but her spins were also graceful and well-done. Soon after, she completed her program, then the replay of her performance followed, before the announcement of her scores came. Ultimately, she scored 55.26 points – 29.99 for technical elements, 25.27 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

After Paganini was Aiza Mambekova who was representing Kazakhstan, and she was going to be skating to a radio edit of Amanama, Hourshaker in a black dress with a daring diagonal slit at the front. Her first two required jumps – the combination of a Triple Salchow and a Double Toe, and then a Triple Toe – were successful, however her second jump of the combination was under rotated, as evidenced by the turn she made when she landed. Nevertheless, she continued on with her program, doing flowy and harmonious movements that led up to her spins (that were fortunately well done) and to her other required elements. Her Double Axel, though, was personally phenomenal – clean, quick and convicted. Her step sequence was also remarkable, not too much that it had become messy but not too less as well as that it wasn't eventful, and her last spins were also well-done. Soon after, she finished her program and got off the ice with a smile on her face. Aside from the errors in her jumps, there weren’t any other problems for me regarding her performance. She had performed well, and the only thing she should improve on is the tightness and speed of her spins as she does her jumps, so as not to deliver other under rotated jumps. After the judges’ deliberation and the replay of her program, her score was announced, and it had come up to 44.40 points – 21.29 for technical elements, 23.11 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Following Mambekova was Emmi Peltonen for Finland. In a black and gold dress, she was going to be skating to Tango Jalousie by Jacob Gade. It wasn’t long after she started that she launched into her opening jump combination: two sets of a Triple Toe – it was magnificently high quality; it had enough speed, height and tightness, and it was in no way underwhelming to witness. Her movements were graceful and complementary of the background music. Though she was doing a good run so far, she unfortunately made an error in her landing after doing her second required jump. The reason for this, I think, was she had probably dug too deep in the ice during her landing, causing the ice to catch on the front pick of her skate which led her to an error in the backward transition. Nonetheless, her program continued and she went on to deliver really pretty spins. The next element she delivered after the spins was a Double Axel, and that, too, was done really well with a high jump and the right amount of speed and tightness. She did another set of spins for the next element, and her following step sequence was superb; it was artistic and creative in that she included bodily movements rather than just letting her feet take the show. After her last impressive element of spins, her program had come to a close and the replay of her performance with the judges’ deliberation followed. Soon, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 55.28 points – 28.48 for technical elements, 27.80 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The next skater to perform was Larkyn Austman, representing Canada. In a black halter ensemble, she was going to be skating to Mein Herr from the musical, Cabaret. In an unrelated note, I think she resembles a little of Margot Robbie – really pretty. Moving on, she began her program with a series of movements that matched and complemented her music. She then launched into her opening jump combination – a Triple Salchow and a Triple Toe, and while the Salchow was delivered well, she had failed at landing the Toe. I think this was because she had exerted less conviction and commitment in delivering it. Nonetheless, her program continued. Her next jump was impressive, as well as the spins that followed – it really shows how much confidence and trust she had in herself, plus the fact that she was moving complementarily to the music. Her next jump, a Double Axel, had landed successfully, if not a little shaky but other than that, it was still good. Her step sequence and the last spins had followed soon after, and not long after that did she finish her program. The one thing I can really comment about her performance was the artistry and interpretation in her program; she had danced across the ice according to the song that was playing, and while it was well done and really nice to witness, I personally think that the arm movements were a bit lacking. She did great with moving her feet, obviously, but her hands and arms were left to fend for themselves, merely swinging largely for grace in action. Other than that and the errors she committed, she performed a good program. Soon, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 51.42 points – 25.93 for technical elements, 26.49 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The 6th and final skater for the 2nd group was Mae Berenice Meite, and she was going to be representing France. In a black one-piece with gold detailing on the top, she was going to be skating to a mash-up of Halo and Run the World by Beyonce. Her opening jump combination consisted of a Triple Flip and a Double Toe, and while both jumps landed successfully, she had a little hiccup in the landing for the Triple Flip that may cost a bit of her score. Nonetheless, she then went on to execute her spins which were gracefully well-done. Her Triple Loop was very cleanly executed, with another jump that followed not too long after. She had finished the required jumps and was now left with the last spin and the step sequence. Meite’s step sequence was good, but it was a little slow which made it a bit underwhelming, especially after the previous skaters’ performances. The crowd did still love it, though, because it had somehow matched the entertainment brought on by the Beyonce songs. Closing her program with the last spin, Meite was done with her program, and her score was announced soon after. What I liked about her performance was that she really did dance – including her hands and her body – and while she committed some errors in her execution, it’s still safe to say she did well with the program she presented that day. At the announcement of her scores, it was found that it had come up to 53.67 points – 28.24 for technical elements, 25.43 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 3

For the 3rd group, the first skater was Kailani Craine, representing Australia. In a pink ensemble, she was going to be skating to Dream a Little Dream of Me and One Day. Starting off with movements that hint at a born-performer vibe, she built up the momentum to launch into her opening jump which was a Triple Flip. It was really well done, and she followed that jump with the execution of her first spins, doing that cleanly and prettily as well. Her facial expressions were really spot on, and so far, her performance has been really fun. Her step sequence was really quirky – complementary of the music playing on the background. She then did her jump combination of a Triple Loop and a Double Toe, and following that was a Double Axel – all of which had landed successful and were done impressively. Craine’s program was progressing really quickly, and it wasn’t long until she finished her performance with the last required spin. In all honesty, not much can be said about Craine’s presentation because it was already good enough as it is. Granted that she can improve herself into doing more difficult skills for more points, everything about her was just amazing to witness, and hopefully, the judges think so too. Soon, her score was announced, and it was found to have come up to 56.77 points- 30.36 for technical elements, 26.41 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Following Craine was Ivett Toth for Hungary, and she was going to be skating to AC/DC songs called Back in Black and Thunderstruck, in a black one piece ensemble with leather and metal details, obviously going to match the feel and genre of the AC/DC songs. She began with strong movements, before shortly going into her jump combination of a double Triple Toe. The opening jump was well and tightly executed. She then executed her spins, and though they were slow, they were still nicely done. What followed next was the Triple Lutz – also successful, but she did land on both of her feet instead of one. Her step sequence came next and it was a really good show, fun to watch, and got the judges’ green light of approval. She then did her clean Double Axel, hand over the head, before finishing off the program with her last spins. All in all, despite the contradicting images of figure skating and AC/DC, Toth did a job well done in mixing the two and performing the best she could with her program. Soon, her scores were announced, and it had come up to 53.22 points – 27.60 for technical elements, 25.62 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

After the 2nd skater was Giada Russo who was representing Italy. In a dark-colored dress with ¾ sleeves, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Eyes Wide Shut. Starting off her program with grand movements, she had built up the momentum to perform her first jump which was a Triple Flip. It was very nicely done, but the next jump that followed it was unfortunately unsuccessful because she had landed on her backside. The next spins were actually really pretty and well-done, so that was a silver lining after her errors. The next element she performed was a Double Axel, and that too was nicely and cleanly executed. What’s left then was her step sequence and her last spins, which were also completed satisfyingly. I should say that I really like how she moved along the beat, making sure that every single pump of her limbs had gone along the music and expressed a story that took more than just what meets the eye. Unfortunately, for her errors, I think she should improve her landing and balance more because they were what, I think, costed her some pretty hefty points. Soon after, her score was announced, and it had come up to 50.88 points – 25.90 for technical elements, 25.98 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The 4th skater of the group was Loena Hendrickx from Belgium, and she was going to be skating to Frozen, as performed by Madonna, in a dark blue one-piece ensemble with see-through and sparkly detailing. She opened her program with the jump combination of a Triple Lutz, with both hands above the head, and a Triple Toe – both executed nicely, cleanly and tightly. Her spins also incorporated some minor jumps which were very impressive overall; they had just the right amount of speed and confidence that it bode well with its total delivery. Her next element was a Double Axel, and that too was superbly done. After the Axel was a Flip, but since it was singular, it was considered invalid. Her step sequence followed soon after, and it’s safe to say that it was really jam-packed, but even then, she didn’t forget to incorporate hand and arm movements as well, further completing that element. Once she closed her program with her last spin, you could see the disappointment on Hendrickx’s face despite the really well-done performance. It was a pity she had missed that Double Axel because had she done it, I’m sure her scores would have racked up really high. Nevertheless, her program was still really amazing and powerful to watch. After the judges deliberated and did a final check of her performance, her score was found to have come up to 55.16 points – 27.79 for technical elements, 27.37 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Nicole Schott, representing Germany, followed after Hendrickx. In a blue, long-sleeved dress, she was going to be skating to Nella Fantasia. For her opening jump, she did a really neat Triple Flip, and following that was her combination of a double Triple Toe – all of which were accomplished marvelously precisely and polished. Her movements, so far, have been really graceful and smooth. The next element she performed were her spins, and they too were also neatly executed. Her step sequence was elegantly polished – just the right mix of artistry, interpretation and conviction in her movements. After finishing her remaining jump and spins, she completed her program with a felt fragility that made her performance all the more impressive. Personally, I really found her performance captivating due to the feeling she just emitted, despite the minor errors that the judges and specialists may have found. Right after the replay of her program, her score was announced to have come up to 59.20 points – 31.62 for technical elements, 27.58 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

The last skater for the 3rd group was Nicole Rajicova, and she was representing Slovakia. In a magenta-colored dress with long, see-through sleeves of the same color, she was going to be skating to Une page d’amour by Nathalia Mansner. With a dramatic start to her program, she performed a combination of a Triple Loop and a Double Toe as her opening jump. Transitioning well for her spins, she spun on the ice gracefully for her required element. Her next element was a Triple Lutz, and there’s no surprise that it was done remarkably well. She then transitioned to a position that allowed her to perform another set of spins, that which was accomplished cleanly. Following that was her last required jump of a Double Axel (also done nicely) before she then launched to perform her step sequence which was jam-packed with flips and turns on the ice. Her final spin finally brought everything to a satisfying close, and there’s no question there that she did a magnificent and clean job for her program. Her scores were announced not too long after that, and it had come up to 60.59 points – 32.36 for technical elements, 28.23 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 4

For the 4th group, the 1st skater was Kaori Sakamoto, representing Japan. In a blue-ombré dress, she was going to be skating to Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. Her program began with a series of dramatic turns, then later transitioned to perform her first required element which was the first spin out of three. Following that was her step sequence which, too, was beautifully and elegantly done. Her next element was another spin, and from here, I think she chose to place her jumps halfway through her performance in order to grab that bonus of doing so. Her first jump, right after the first two spin combinations, was a combination of a Triple Flip and a Triple Toe, and the only thing I could describe it was flawless – it had the right amount of speed, the mid-air spins were tight enough, and the landing was successful. In a ballsy move, Sakamoto then did a Triple Loop that was also nicely and cleanly executed. Not long after that did she perform her last jump which was a Double Axel, and it’s not even a surprise that she executed that one spotlessly as well. After she performed her last required element of a spin, she grandly closed her program to a magnificent success. In all honesty, the only thing I can describe her entire performance was effortless and high-quality. I wouldn’t be surprised if she did score very highly from that. Soon after the replay of performance as well as the judges’ deliberation, it was found that her score had come up to a staggering 73.18 points – 40.36 for technical elements, 32.82 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

After Sakamoto was Mirai Nagasu from the USA, and she was going to be skating to Nocturne No. 2 in C sharp minor in a maroon (with a hint of a magenta hue) dress. After elegantly beginning her program, she built up her momentum to perform her opening jump which was a Triple Axel. From what I could see, she actually launched herself correctly, revved up mid-air successfully, and was even standing up right after too, but I think that the reason why she failed that jump was because she had lost her balance due to the tip of her skate catching deeper into the ice than she planned. She had lost her footing, and though I’m not an expert in figure skating skills, I think she would have made that Triple Axel successful if she firmly planted her foot on the ice. Her next element was a jump combination of a Triple Flip and a Triple Toe, and thankfully, that one was successful – it had just the right amount of security, speed and tightness. She performed her first spin out of three next, and that one was gracefully done. Right after, she launched into the footwork for the Triple Loop and soon, after completing the Loop jump, began another spin as her next element. Following the spin was her step sequence and then her last spin – there’s no doubt that those elements were executed as gracefully as the progression of the music. Her program ended then, and the judges began their recheck of her performance. Soon, her score was announced, and it was found to be 66.93 points – 37.24 for technical elements, 30.69 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

The 3rd skater was Gabrielle Daleman who was representing Canada. In a black dress with a red-hemmed skirt, she was going to be skating to Habanera (from Carmen) by George Bizet. Beginning with a dramatic start of movements, her first jump of the program was a combination of a double Triple Loop, which unfortunately ended with the second jump being unsuccessful, having lost her balance and landed her hands on the ice to stabilize herself. The first spin out of three was her next element, and it was done absolutely seamlessly. Next, she did another spin that entered through a minor jump, and following that was the footwork for and the actual Triple Lutz – both elements done wonderfully. Her third and last jump was a Double Axel and again, like her previous elements, it was also done so well. Soon, the execution of her step sequence came and so was her last spin, and when those were done, that signaled the finale of her program. Personally, I think she had a really good run, just that she lost her balance and footing when her landed foot unexpectedly rotated on the ice, and I think that could be avoided next time if she leans her weight back a little more to stand firmer on the ground. Nonetheless, she had a really personalized, well-interpreted and amazing program. Soon, after the judges’ deliberation and the replay of her performance, her score was announced to have come up to 68.90 points – 35.90 for technical elements, 33.00 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Following that program was Karen Chen, another athlete representing USA. And using the music of On Golden Pond by David Grusin, she was going to be skating in a beautiful sparkly white ensemble. The beginning of her program began with refined detail-oriented movements, which then transitioned to the execution of her first element which was a type of toe jump, partly successful but also partly a failure due to her having planted her hands on the ice to stabilize herself. But, like a true professional, she brushed off her hiccup and quickly moved on to her spins, doing those elegantly and of a high quality. Following that was her second spin and her step sequence, and those too were done so prettily and poised. With two spins and the step sequence out of the way, she then executed her jump combination of a Triple Loop and a Double Toe, launching herself strongly and spinning tightly enough that she was able to land back on her foot successfully. Her next element was a Double Axel, which she entered from an incredible-looking sparrow move, and then moved on to her ending spin; thus, bringing her majestic bird-themed program to a close. According to the announcer, Chen had a tendency to overdo the build-up towards her jumps which leads her to blow some of the landings, and I agree as well that she should improve on that since her other skills were already refined and familiar to her. Nonetheless, she had a captivating program that interpreted and went well with her music. Right after the replay of her performance, the announcement of her score came, and it was found to have come up to 65.90 points – 33.53 for technical elements, 32.37 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Right after Chen was Elizabet Tursynbaeva, also an athlete representing Kazakhstan. In a purple dress, she was going to be skating to Carmen as performed by David Garrett. Starting off her program with really flowy movements, her first jump was only a Double Loop instead of a Triple, and just like what the announcer said, that decision was going to be costly. Her next element which was a combination of spins definitely redeemed her of her earlier jump error, as it was fast and impressive. Next, she launched into the footwork for a jump combination of a Triple Salchow and a Triple Toe, before executing the actual jumps – I honestly thought that wasn’t going to be successful because of the low launches, but thankfully, she was able to pull through with her skills. After that, she completed her three required jumps with a well-done Double Axel. Spinning through to her fourth element which was a combination of spins, she then executed her fifth element which was also the spin that completed her required spin elements. Lastly, the accomplishment of her step sequence was definitely eventful as she weaved through the elements it comprised of in a quick manner. All in all, I think she did a really good job, and the error on her first Loop jump was only to be blamed on the power she exerted for its launch, or the lack thereof. If she exerts more power into picking the tip of her skate into the ice, I’m sure she’d be able to achieve a higher height on her jumps which will allow her more time to do the mid-air revolutions. For the short program, Tursynbaeva was able to score 57.95 points – 28.27 for technical elements, 29.68 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

The last skater for the 4th group was Choi Dabin, hailing from and representing South Korea. She was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Papa Can You Hear Me in a turquoise ensemble. Right from the start, I could feel a despondent emotion from her performance - which I believe was what she was going for, - and my amazement only went higher as she performed her first element which was a jump combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Toe. Not only that, but she also executed a combination of spins as her next element, and that was really impressive to witness. Right after that was another set of spins, tallying up her accomplished required elements to three. Next, she launched right into the steps for a Triple Flip, and then accomplished a Double Axel, finishing up her required jump elements. Following that was her step sequence, and she did not disappoint with it as it was equally graceful and eventful as the rest of her program so far. She then closed her performance with her last spins which were quick and seamless, further cementing her reputation of filling in the shoes of Yuna Kim. In my opinion, I think only good things can be said about Choi’s performance because it had just the right amount of strength and gentleness in the movements, as she skated her way through a beautifully prepared and executed program. And rightfully so, she was rewarded for her impressive presentation with a score of 67.77 points – 37.54 for technical elements, 30.23 for presentation, and 0.0 for deductions.

Group 5

Evgenia Medvedeva, representing OAR, was the first skater for the 5th group. In a blue dress that similarly resembles the galaxy, she was going to be skating to Nocturne by Frederic Chopin. Her program was off to a gracefully refined start that began with a combination of spins as the accomplishment of her first required spin element out of three. She went with her step sequence next, and its poised execution was a good interpretation of the music, as it was artistic and fluid. Following that was her first jump of the program which was a jump combination of a Triple Flip, with the hand above the head, and a Triple Toe. The execution of that element was definitely spotless – the speed was just at the right amount that it allowed her to launch herself up high in the air to accomplish triple tight revolutions for both jumps. Next was a Triple Loop and a Double Axel with the hand above the head, and just like her previous required jump, those two were just so sophisticated and polished; there was no question as to how good she was with her jumps. Right after the Axel was the execution of her last two combination spins, which gave a sweet ending to her incredibly captivating performance. After witnessing that, I just want to comment on the maturity and gentle fluidity of her performance – all her chosen skills were so well-prepared and well-executed; the jumps had good heights and landings, her spins were also defined, and that step sequence was just *chef’s kiss*! For such an immaculate performance, she was definitely rewarded for it with a score of 81.61 points – 43.19 for technical elements, 38.42 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Following Medvedeva was Satoko Miyahara from Japan, and in a pretty pink ensemble, she was going to be skating to the soundtrack of Memoirs of a Geisha. Her program began with a smooth, emotion-filled start, which was followed by the execution of her opening jump combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Toe. That combination happened quickly yet surely that there’s no doubt she’d score high with that one. Next, she did her first combination spin and after that was the next combination spin – both combinations executed so flawlessly and polished. Right after that did she transition to the footwork for a Triple Loop, and the jump itself was no doubt going to be a success (which it was) because of how secure it was. Her step sequence came next, and the movements it comprised of were so well-matched to the rising height of her music. Soon, she flowed into a seamless Double Axel, before ending her performance with a quick combination spin that brought about a strong conclusion. Not much can be said about Miyahara’s program because it was already so impressive in itself – everything she did was connected to each other that it strengthened the relay of the message she was interpreting. Right after the replay of her performance and the judges’ deliberation, it was found that her score had come up to a rewarding 75.94 points – 40.25 for technical elements, 35.69 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

The third skater of the group was Kaetlyn Osmond who was representing Canada, and skating to Sous le ciel de Paris, Milord, she was dressed in a dark blue outfit that stood her out from the rest in her group. Right off to a brilliant start, she opened her program with a double Triple Flip, the combination just done so beautifully. She then went into the execution of her next jump which was a Triple Lutz, and quickly after, she did her first combination spin which was of high quality with even speed. Her next element was her last required jump which was a Double Axel, and then, she went straight into her next successful combination spin. Her performance was progressing quickly yet in a polished and graceful manner. Her step sequence came next, and there’s nothing that can be said about it other than it was eventfully fun to witness, especially as it was aided by the music. And after transitioning smoothly to the finale, she ended her program with her last required spin that definitely brought the crowd to a loud applause. All throughout her performance, there was such a teasing and amusing feel to her movements, it was no doubt a fun act to watch, as evidenced by the collective audience’s reaction to her finish. Rewardingly, her score was announced to be 78.87 points – 41.83 for technical elements, 37.04 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

In a light blue ensemble with black details, Alina Zagitova was the fourth skater and another representative of OAR, skating to the music of Black Swan. Her program began with a dramatic start that fit nicely to her music, and with the opportunity, she executed her first required element which was a combination spin. Launching next to her step sequence, there was no doubt that her choreography was strong and well-polished. Moving fluidly like a swan across the ice, she then executed her first jump which was a combination of a Triple Lutz and a Triple Loop, evidently scoring high for that one due to its clean execution. Her next element was a Triple Flip that had both her arms above the head, and to finish off her required jumps, she did a Double Axel; and what followed quickly after was the execution of her last two combination spins. With the end of her program, there was absolutely no question that she ended it strongly and beautifully. To end such an incredible act, Zagitova was able to score a staggering 82.92 points – 45.30 for technical elements, 37.62 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Representing Italy, Carolina Kostner was the fifth skater, and she was going to be skating to Ne me quitte pas, performed by Celine Dion, in a red dress with sparkling detailing. With a dramatically artistic start to her program, she did a combination of a Triple Flip and a Double Toe as her opening jump combination. Not too long after, she did a Triple Loop that, while she was able to land to her feet, was partly unsuccessful due to having had her hand planting flat on the ice for the stabilization of her form. Nonetheless, she launched right into her first combination spin which progressed and was executed really nicely. Transitioning right into a Double Axel, she followed that jump element with her second combination jump that still exuded the same emotional dramatics that flowed well into her next element which was her step sequence. As the ending to her program, she executed her last required combination spin that brought her emotion-filled performance to a successful close. Aside from her needing to gain balance for landing, and more speed in catching herself up for her second jump in the jump combination, Kostner had definitely put on a sophisticated performance. After the replay of her performance and the judges’ deliberation, her beautiful program was rewarded with a high score of 73.15 points – 35.06 for technical elements, 38.09 for presentation, and 0.00 for deductions.

Maria Sotskova, representing OAR, was the last athlete both for the 5th group and for the entire short program match. In a light pink ensemble, she was going to be skating to Swan Lake by Petr I. Tchaikovski. Eventfully, she began her program with a fluid set of movements that built up the momentum for her first required element, which was a Triple Lutz, but unfortunately, it had her landing her backside on the ice. Nevertheless, she went on with the show and then got into the execution of her first combination spin. Right after that, she redeemed her earlier jump mistake with the accomplishment of a jump combination that consisted of a Triple Flip and a Triple Toe with a hand above her hand for both, same with the Double Axel that followed quickly after it. I honestly thought the second Flip of that combination wouldn’t be successful because of the wobbly landing of the first (which is a common mistake, as I’ve noticed) but regardless of that, Sotskova was still able to do it, and successfully too, might I add. Moving on, she launched right into her next combination in a partly wobbly entrance, but she made that work as well and transitioned smoothly to her next element which was the step sequence, that which went along powerfully well with the height of the music. For the finale of her program, she did her last combination spin, which unfortunately (?) ended in her slightly catching the end of her music. Right after the judges’ deliberation and the replay of her performance, she was able to score 63.86 points – 31.47 for technical points, 33.39 for presentation, and -1.00 for deductions.

With the ending of Sotskova’s program comes the finish of the Women’s Single Figure Skating (Short Program) match. After their performances, the qualifying athletes for the next round (in order of highest rank to lowest) were: Zagitova (OAR), Medvedeva (OAR), Osmond (Canada), Miyahara (Japan), Sakamoto (Japan), Kostner (Italy), Daleman (Canada), Dabin (South Korea), Nagasu (USA), Chen (USA), Tennell (USA), Sotskova (OAR), Rajicova (Slovakia), Schott (Germany), Tursynbaeva (Kazakhstan), Craine (Australia), Williams (Brazil), Peltonen (Finland), Paganini (Switzerland), Hendrickx (Belgium), Kim (South Korea), Meite (France), Toth (Hungary), and Li (China).

Now, since there were a lot of athletes (30, to be exact) competing in the short program, I will only be reviewing the specifics of the athletes that caught my eye, and then do a general analysis for the rest of them (aside from the individual analysis, which I wrote in each athlete’s respective portions.)

Before I start the general analysis, I just want to say, first off, that all the athletes had performed so gracefully that I wonder how they are able to do so on a flat sheet of ice, even with the slice marks from the previous performers. There’s no doubt that they were all skilled, despite the errors and falls in their programs, but regardless of such errors, their performances were top notch enough that they had qualified for the Olympics, and for some, even moved on to the next round of the competition. Watching them jump, glide and spin across the ice was really a sight to behold, and I’m glad I was able to do so through this review. Second of all, even though the athletes had the same knowledge of the ins and outs of the sport, I guess it really does come down to the execution of the entire program. There were some athletes who moved so seamlessly and polished all throughout, and there were some who lacked the fluidity and conviction to bring their elements to a success. Granted that those lackings costed them a chunk of their scores, they should be used as stepping stones for improvement, and so the next time they compete, they will be able to skate stronger, more gracefully, more precise, and more seamlessly than their past selves.

And speaking of lacking, that brings me to my next analysis, which is of Mambekova who skated for Kazakhstan. Not minding her errors, she was definitely a skilled skater – there’s no question to that. She had a good flow coursing through her body, enabling her to move so fluidly. She accomplished some really artistic transitions, her Triple Salchow-Double Toe combination was a success and so was her clean Double Axel, her step sequence was pleasantly and seamlessly eventful, and her combination spins were also well-executed. Now, I admit that I’m no expert, but personally, I think that reason why she scored low (setting aside the technicalities) is because she lacked the guts to perform higher risking jumps for a combination – as evidenced by what the announcer said of her Triple Salchow-Double Toe element being a low-level combination jump – as well as the speed and height of her jumps which hindered her ability to create tighter (and more) revs mid-air – i.e., her under rotated Triple Toe. What she lacked was what the other skaters had, which is why they placed higher above her. But regardless of Mambekova’s shortcomings, there was still more positive room for improvement, and I’m sure that with ample time and training, she’ll become one of the top skaters to be competing at international games, and not just only at the Olympics.

Moving on to the first placer for the short program. With a Black Swan-themed performance, Zagitova had placed first with a score of 82.92, and it is only right she scored so because with a program, a set of skills and a manner of execution like hers, there’s no question as to how polished and poised the performance would be. Her lithe form just complemented her choreography so well that she made difficult skills look easy. Not to mention the fact that every element of her program just flowed well into each other, and each execution was so well-defined and so precise, there was absolutely no hesitance and only commitment observed all throughout. Personally, I think the reason why she stood out from the rest of her colleagues was not only because of the difficulty and combination of her elements, but also largely because of the way she just simply incorporates her whole body into everything she did and the precision she makes sure to hit with every movement. She never leaves out her arms in the movements, making sure that the message and theme of her program was exuded in most – if not all – parts of her body. Her speed, timing, jumps, landings, spins, transitions, hand details – everything worked so well with each other and altogether. Rightfully so, she deserves her towering score, and I’m excited to witness what she’ll cook up next throughout her career.

And with the analysis finally coming to a close, I signify the end of this review blog of the Full Match of the Women’s Singles Short Program of Figure Skating from the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. If you reached the end of this blog, I genuinely thank you for taking the time to read through my amateur musings of such a sophisticated sport. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’ll see you at the next posting of my next review blog soon!

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yhella18 · 4 years ago

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Women's Singles Short Program of Figure Skating from the Winter Olympic Games 2018 in PyeongChang || A Sport Analysis

Figure skating is a sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform on figure skates on ice. It was the first winter sport to be included in the Olympic Games when contested at the 1908 Olympics in London. This sport performs freestyle movements of jumps, spins, lifts, and footwork gracefully. Its name derives from the patterns (or figures) skaters make on the ice, an element that was a significant part of the sport until recently. There are various kinds of figure skating, including freestyle, pairs, ice dance, and synchronized team skating. The style of competition and the moves and techniques of the skaters vary for each category of skating. Figure skating has become one of the most popular sports of the Winter Olympics (Hamilton, 2019).

Today's blog will focus on Women's Singles Short Program of Figure Skating from the Winter Olympic Games 2018 in PyeongChang. This analysis will also consist of the court dimensions, equipment, basic skills, technical and tactical skills of each team, rules of the sport, officials of the sport, and the overall performance.

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Court Dimensions

Figurer Skating Rinks has an overall length of 196.85' (60 m) and width of 98.43' (30 m), for a total area of 18,707 ft² (1738 m²). The corners of a Figure Skating Rink have a radius of 27.89' (8.5 m). Also, a figure skating rink is a frozen rectangular surface with curved or circular ends on both sides used to host the Olympic sport of figure skating. Skating rinks vary in size depending on the athletes and performers' skill level, with the largest being an Olympic-sized rink. Skating rinks are often used for both figure skating and ice hockey games, and dimensions are typically the same for both. Unlike hockey, a figure skating rink is clear of goals and markings to allow athletes and performers the maximum amount of unimpeded space. It is meant to provide a smooth and hard surface, and the rink ice temperature ranges between -5.5C (22F) and -3.5C (26F) (Powell, 2020).

Equipment

Figure Skates

Figure skates are boots with blades attached to the bottom. They are used in ice skating to propel oneself across ice surfaces. It allows a person to move adeptly across a sheet of ice. A skater can glide quickly and stop and start soon because of the design of the blade. A person can also turn in a controlled way when on the ice. A fast skater can go much quicker than a fast runner.

Skate Guards

Figure skating guards are usually made of plastic with a simple spring or other mechanical devices to hold the guards tightly to the blades. They can be found in many colors and with internal lights that blink as the skater walks. They are also called 'blade guards'. Figure skating guards historically were made of wood, but this has been supplanted in the last thirty years by plastic.

Boot Covers

The main reason to wear boot covers is to protect the ice skate. Most figure skate boots are made of leather and under it are sharp blades. When doing moves with one foot or both feet in the air, there is a risk that one skate's blade damages the boot of the other.

Costumes

The movements involved in figure skating engage the entire body. The motion and flow across the ice require smooth actions of the arms and legs, powerful gliding strokes, quick turns and rotations, explosive jumps, and fast footwork. The clothing that the skater wears can enhance these movements while at the same time allowing the skater to maintain a comfortable temperature while moving efficiently and without distraction. This blend of aesthetic and functional possibilities of dress mix in action becomes almost one with the skater, the result being a total athletic and artistic expression.

Pair of Tights or Leggings

Tights keep the legs warm and cool when you're in a freezing ice rink, doing high-intensity exercise. Tights are the best type of "foot-underwear" to use in ice skates. Tights generally have a soft seam (if any seam) at the toes. Seams can be dangerous to a skater's foot in an ice skate. They are also less bulky, which is preferred for skates because skates don't have room for heavy fabrics in addition to your foot. Also, it protects the legs from ice burn when an athlete falls. They need to be covering their legs when they skate because falling on the ice can result in nasty abrasions.

Gloves

Gloves not only keep the hands warm, but they can also protect an athlete's hands to some degree from injury when falling. They are also helpful when performing figure skating elements that involve grabbing the skate blade and enhancing the visual appearance of an athlete.

Basic Skills

Turns

Figure skating turns are an essential part of the sport. Some turns are part of the basics, and others are advanced and difficult to perform. Figure skating turns are vital because they are part of the progressive figure skating moves. For example, the entrance to certain jumps includes a three-turn or a mohawk.

Steps

Figure skating steps skills that, when put together, form what is called a footwork sequence. Some figure skating steps are variations on or combinations of turns. Power three turns, twizzles, and running threes are examples.

Spins

Spins in figure skating are often the most fun for the skater and most appealing to the figure skating audience. Crowds love to watch an elegant or super-fast spin. There is so much important information about figure skating spins that we have an entire section devoted to these figure skating skills.

Jumps

Jumps are spins in the air. A jump is a backspin in the air. These figure skating skills have become one of the most critical aspects of the sport since the creation of the international judging system. Triple and quad jumps receive so many points that they overshadow most of the other skills when competing. Some of the most elegant skaters have lost in competitions because another skater executes a series of moment-grabbing jumps.

Spirals

Spirals are glides with one leg way up in the air. There are many variations of these figure skating skills. The first figure skating spiral learned is usually the arabesque. Skaters will then learn a catch foot variation. Essential aspects for figure skating spirals are good extension, get the free leg extended high in the air, and moving steadily across the ice. A change of edge during a spiral will receive extra points.

Moves in the Field

It is a name given to elements of figure skating that emphasize essential skating skills and edge control. In the context of a competitive program, 'moves in the field' include spirals, spread eagles, Ina Bauers, hydroblading, and similar extended edge moves.

Technical and Tactical Skills of Each Team

GROUP 1:

Bradie Tennel from the United States of America

Tennel is a 20-year-old woman who was considered to be the most powerful in group 1. Her consistency was her asset, but she fell due to her triple combination jump like a human being. Despite that, she had many combinations of spin, and she got her powerful footwork back. She was also able to do the triple combination that she failed from the beginning. Her music was Taeguki by Dong-Jun Lee. It was soft from the start and turned into intense when it's in the middle part of her performance, making her do series of turns. Then she ends her performance with a beautiful spin using the edges.

Isadora Williams from Brazil

Williams is a 22-year-old athlete who had an excellent interpretation of the song Hallelujah performed by K.D Lang. She dances like she moves with the song and puts the expressions needed to convey it. Her technique was to play safe, which made her to the jumps safe and well-executed. Also, she has a good pace of music which was suitable for her performance.

Anna Khnychenkova from Ukraine

Khnychenkova did great at first; however, due to the pressure of having an international event, she keeps on making mistakes which made her disappointed. She has four red out of seven on the Technical Score. However, it was an excellent performance wherein she likely stomp on her feet which rhymes with the song's beat.

Diana Nikitina from Latvia

Nikita's performance was very casual and had a good development pace. The way she moves her arms, it's like she is portraying something. She's more on the choreography and had interpreted the song entitled Soldier of Love by Sade. To think that she was still 17 years old. It was so good to watch.

Kim Hanul from South Korea

A height of 4'11, this 17-year-old girl proved that despite not having blessed with the height, her attitude and the skills in figure skating overpower who truly she is. She started with a good speed, and she tends to change her positions in each spin. She had a good entry with her layback, and it was fast gaining her a lot of points. Hanul tried her best to have her desired performance.

Anita Oestlund from Sweden

Oestlund is a 17-year-old girl who started with continuous footwork and good flow on her performance, but her first element was invalid since she made a mistake on her rotation. Regardless of the mistake she made, her show was most of changing direction on her feet or, to be exact, the series of the bracket. Then, she ends her performance with a spin; however, it was a big mistake since it did not sync with the music's end. She still needs to improve physically and emotionally.

GROUP 2:

Li Xiangning from China

Xiangning is the fourth 17-year-old athlete who performed in the short programs. Her music Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (Soundtrack) was like a lullaby and soft to hear, making her movements smooth. She used good speed throughout her spins and completing all of her positions and movements. She also made a mistake since it was not fully rotated but still work it in the end. She showed a classical performance and used her spin and speed to create a picture for the audience.

Alexia Paganini from Switzerland

Paganini showed an elegant performance with the song Forbidden Love (From Romeo and Juliet). The music and her costume truly sync with one another, creating an illustration. Besides, she had good speed and footwork, which made her have an excellent start with a triple toe. She made sure to make her jump to have some good height. She also had good decisions on the last part since she wanted to do triple lutz and triple toes but decided to a safer and lower scoring.

Aiza Mambekova from Kazakhstan

Mambekova's start of music (Amanama, Hourshaker Radio Edit) gained the audience's attention and followed it with her hand movements. She's using the music with her steps sequence. She may have good height, but the rotation of hers is not quick enough. Unlike other performers who didn't sync with their finishing part of the music, she had an excellent finish. It was openly a piece of exotic music for an exotic performance. All in all, she showed an enjoyable performance.

Emmi Peltonen from Finland

Peltonen is a 19-year-old woman who is a 9th generation Olympic athlete. Her asset was her speed. She showed a mighty pace, thus, causing her to have a messy and big jump from the start, which was considered high-quality jumps. She also performed a fantastic lift with her body movements and sequence. The commitment that she showed was a good design, and she is good with her transitions. She indeed had a satisfactory performance.

Larkyn Austman from Canada

The song Mein Herr (From Cabaret), Austman had chosen, was happy and lively. She was like dancing instead of skating, in interpreting her music. However, she had a hard time with her jump, possibly due to her movements. She hadn't a lot of international experience, but she did her best on her performance and still considered it a good performance.

Mae Berenice Meite from France

Meite is somewhat like Austman, who showed more on dancing than skating. She started it with exaggerated hand movements. It was indeed a lively performance, and she has established good choices and wise decisions with her high jumps. Her step sequence may be slow, but the crowd is enjoying her performance.

GROUP 3:

Kailani Craine from Australia

Craine is a careful 19-year-old athlete. She's playing safe with her spins and jumps but still considered to be an excellent show. The step sequence she did was using the edges, and she was terrific at her speed at changing transitions. Her expression, which was a big smile to the audience, was a significant part of her performance. She has the sense of music, leading her to have fantastic performance, gaining perfect green points in the technical score.

Ivett Toth from Hungary

Toth had a different and astounding concept. Back in Black, Thunderstruck by AC/DC, the music relates to the biker look that she had since it was a piece of rock music. She also good with the opening jump combination and had a good flow throughout the show. She used her skating skills, balance, connection, and music delivery to make her performance much more extraordinary.

Giada Russo from Italy

Russo's start was suspense, in which the audience was made to wait for her opening jump. She used an exciting transition of her music, the Eyes Wide Shut (Soundtrack), and the way she ended her performance was different, unlike the other athletes. She showed her expression and the composition that she wanted to convey.

Leona Hendrickx from Belgium

Hendrick's performance is more on exaggeration. She had a wild show since she was like swaying her arms and body with emphasis. She used firm edges on her skate and had good speed, movement, and strength. She also had a good flow across the eyes, and the blade moved well, so she hasn't struggled to get speed. Then she finished her performance constantly with the rate she had.

Nicole Schott from Germany

Fantasia is a 21-year-old woman who made her performance smooth and soft, syncing it with her music, Nella Fantasia. She used series of turn and step sequences that can make the viewers see the curves on her. She made her jumps not high but still well executed. It was honestly a clean shot and a calming performance.

Nicole Rajicova from Slovakia

Rajicova showed suspense but with a soft touch kind of performance. She used her transition well enough and made her change of speed to be noticeable. She also made a lot of steps and big jumps. It was pretty clear on how she has executed, and every element was received a positive grade of execution.

GROUP 4:

Kaori Sakamoto from Japan

Sakamoto is a 17-year-old girl who made the music Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig Van Beethoven shine on the audience and made a decadent version of the song. She used fantastic lift and made her jump when the music turned fast. The leaps and spins that she has executed were of equal quality, and every spin was good as her jump. She made it look like it was effortless and easy to skate around. It was frankly a brilliant performance which made her have all the green lights for the technical score.

Mirai Nagasu from the United States of America

Nagasu is like Peltonen, who was into speed which forms into messy, and the pace was so immense to which she failed at the opening jump. It was almost over-rotated and over-blind. However, she was powerful enough and executed many higher jumps and sometimes show have shown good balance in her performance.

Gabrielle Daleman from Canada

Daleman is a 20-year-old woman who chose her music to be Habanera (From Carmen) by George Bizet. She had a great flow and speed, yet a shame that she fell in the opening jump since it doesn’t have a good rotation. Despite the imperfections, she used the interpretation of the music and showed excellent swaying of her feet. The way she skips, skates, and dance were outstanding. Also, all the moves were finished, and the jumps were always big and majestic. Overall, she had a good performance on her performance.

Karen Chen from the United States of America

Chen’s portrayal as a swan relates with her music, On Golden Pond by David Grusin. It was a smooth kind of music. She left the other jumps to the second half of her performance to get the bonus for her score. She also used a quick change of direction and made a lovely sparrow portray the wings. She ends her performance with a beautiful spin and her hand symbolizing the loon calling throughout the music.

Elizabet Tursynbaeva from Kazakhstan

Tursynbaeva’s started with an exaggerated hand movement. She chose the song Carmen Performed by David Garrett and executed a lot of fast magnificent combination spin. But sometimes, this causes her to struggle with the speed in one time spin on her performance. Moreover, she tends to put some walk or stomp on her feet. It was a well-executed show.

Choi Dabin from South Korea

Dabin’s choice of music was soft at the beginning with dramatic effects. She moves her body and hands to show some drama and brought emotions to it. Since she had a strong core, she executed a lot of tricky jumps. She made her footwork look simple and not changing of direction. This causes her to have all green lights in the technical score. She moves and executes contrasts with her gentle exterior or appearance, which was an advantage to her.

GROUP 5:

Evgenia Medvedeva from Russia

Medvedeva's used a ballerina style that rhyme with the music, Nocturne by Frederic Chopin. She made her expression to be sad and longing. Her performance was calm, showing the elements perfectly and elegantly. She also had an excellent presentation of the eyes, especially from the beginning, wherein she closed her eyes and opened them to impact when she moves. She created beautiful shapes with her spin and end with an exhale that she was finished. It has an impact on the audience.

Satoko Miyahara from Japan

Miyahara is a 19-year-old woman who showed a smooth and precise performance. She made sure that there was no blade movement when she's changing position and had a secured jump. Her performance was with transitions and excellent compositions. Her movements have meanings, and they were sharp and precise. This causes the audience to see a cultural dance.

Kaetlyn Osmond from Canada

Osmond showed quite an intriguing performance. She made her look to be sophisticated, and madam look. She made risk since she made her first jump high, and she did well. The hops were fast and big. In simple terms, all of the jumps she made were superior. Overall, it was delightful to look at, and the audience was fascinated by how sassy she had performed on the rink. She also made the viewers picture that they are in a café in Paris drink coffee in the 1950s.

Alina Zagitova from Russia

Zagitova is the youngest contestant on this program. She is a 15-year-old girl but has shown a fantastic performance. Her standing point is so attractive and original that it made the audience anticipate her performance. The changing of the expression from fierce to soft is the same with her movements. She danced like a swan will move and had an exciting entry before the significant jump. She also made beautiful and brilliant spins. She did her jumps in the second half to get more scores since it was said that there was an additional 10%. Then she ends it with a genuinely long combination spin and then an arch of the back with her hands wide apart.

Carolina Kostner from Italy

Kostner is the oldest athlete performing at this event. She has shown elegancy and portrayed a hurt and scared woman. Her expression is a must. Also, even though the music is quite soft, her movements were rough and strong. She got a sophisticated look on her face when she was performing. Moreover, the performance and composition reflect all of the wanted interpretations.

Maria Sotskova from Russia

Sotskova is a 17-year-old contestant and the last one who performed. She looked like the Swan Princess with the costume and how she achieved her dance. She reminds me of that movie from Barbie of Swan Lake. However, due to being pressured since her two other teammates were in Top 1 and 2, she made a lot of mistakes. Regardless of that, she made an unbelievable performance.

Rules of the Sport

The rules depend on the type of figure skating: women’s singles, men’s singles, pair skating, as well as pair ice dance. Since this blog only focuses on women single, then it will only tackle that.

During single skating, women are obliged to skate two programs – short program and free skate. For a short program, which can last up to 2 minutes 40-50 seconds, figure skaters are required to perform eight compulsory elements (double or triple axel, triple or quadruple jump, one combination of jumps, several different types of spins, and two-step sequences) in any order. The omission of one of the elements should be fined.

Scoring

In Figure Skating, athletes are scored according to the ISU Judging System by a panel of judges (usually nine judges, including a technical inspector and a referee). This system functions by awarding athletes different amounts of points for different types of moves and how efficiently and effectively these moves are executed. A Grade of Execution (GoE) is calculated, and then a Scale of Value Table is used to turn this grade into an overall mark.

The main aspects scored during a typical Figure Skating performance include skill, footwork, performance, interpretation, overall execution, choreography, and timing. Often, the more complex maneuvers will be scored highest provided they are executed correctly. For example, more rotations in a jump will lead to a higher mark.

Officials of the Sport

Accountants

The accountant's role begins weeks, sometimes months, before a competition. Working with the Local Organizing Committee and chief referee, accountants are responsible for preparing the paperwork that communicates the following information:

When each event of competition will begin

Where it will be held

Which skaters will be in each event

In what order they will skate

Accountants are also responsible for providing the judges, referees, and technical panel officials with documents for recording their decisions. Finally, the accountants are responsible for ensuring that the scoring software is set up correctly, the scores are entered accurately, and the results are calculated correctly.

Technical accountants are a subset of accountants who specialize in the rinkside computer equipment setup and operation utilized for automated scoring under the International Judging System (IJS).

Announcers

Announcers are responsible for announcing competitors before they perform at a competition. Announcers might also be asked to tell scores, names of officials, and other general competition information as necessary. Like the voice of an event, announcers need to be able to work as part of a team and have the ability to communicate effectively with competition hosts, referees, and other officials.

Ice Technicians

Ice technicians are utilized at certain qualifying and international competitions to ensure the ice surface's safety and quality. Primarily used at large competitions, the ice technician is the go-between for the event referee and arena personnel and ensures each event runs safely and smoothly.

Judges

Judges are likely the most well-known type of figure skating official. Though the days of scorecards are long behind us, U.S. Figure Skating still relies on judges to adjudicate competitions and interpret rules and regulations. Currently, judges work in all four skating disciplines and every competitive opportunity U.S. Figure Skating offers.

There are also two different classifications of judges:

Test Judges: who can judge test sessions and nonqualifying competitions

Competition Judges: who can judge nonqualifying and qualifying competitions

Music Technicians

Music officials are responsible for the setup, tear down, and operation of the equipment used to play music competitions. Requirements for the role include basic knowledge of audio equipment, basic knowledge of figure skating competitions and their protocols, basic operational knowledge of computers, and the ability to work as part of a team.

Referees

Referees are the designated leaders and spokespeople for an event. They also manage the panel of judges and, depending on the size of the competition, may serve as one of the event's judges. Before becoming a referee, one must be certified as a judge. The event referee's responsibilities include:

Timing the programs.

Taking certain deductions (in IJS).

Deciding on all protests with respect to their event.

Conducting pre-event meetings (usually held at qualifying competitions) and allowing a skater/team to restart a program that has been stopped by U.S. Figure Skating rules.

Chief referees are responsible for setting up the competition schedule, assigning officials, overseeing seeding and draws for events, interpreting rules, deciding on protests and any breaches that occur without objections, and determining if the ice's condition will permit conducting the competition.

Technical panel officials are required for any events using the International Judging System (IJS).

The Technical Panel is composed of the following five people:

The Technical Specialist (TS) verbally calls the elements as they happen.

The Assistant Technical Specialist (ATS) whose primary purpose is to take written notes on all of the elements performed and to contribute to any decisions on technical calls during the "review of elements".

The Technical Controller (TC) supervises the panel and breaks ties on technical decisions during the "review of elements" when the T.S. and ATS disagree. The T.C. is also responsible for "rule vetting" the program and can throw out any elements that break the rules for that level and specific program.

The Data Operator (DO) inputs the codes of the elements and levels of difficulty into the computer system. The D.O. also flags elements called "for review". In the U.S., the D.O. also replays the video clips of the details during the review process. The D.O. is available to assist the T.C. in the process of "rule vetting" if the T.C. is unsure or makes a mistake.

The Video Replay Operator (VRO) marks clips of elements for review. This person replays the pins in place of the D.O. in international competitions. However, in the U.S., this person is not involved in the review process.

Bibliography

Figure Skating. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2021, from Sportwiki: https://sport-wiki.org/sports/figure-skating/#Equipment_for_figure_skating

Figure Skating Rules. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2021, from Rules of Sport: https://www.rulesofsport.com/sports/figure-skating.html

Hamilton, S. (2019, May 13). Figure Skating. Retrieved April 4, 2021, from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating

Officiate. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2021, from US Figure Skating: https://www.usfigureskating.org/support/officiate

Powell, B. (2020, April 1). Figure Skating. Retrieved April 5, 2021, from Dimensions: https://www.dimensions.com/collection/figure-skating?1bf07b95_page=2

The Basics. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2021, from Go Figure Skating: http://gofigureskating.com/skills/index.html

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daycattocgiare · 5 years ago

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Nỗi đau sau những vụ sao nữ lộ ảnh nude, clip nóng

Nền công nghiệp giải trí xứ Hàn nổi tiếng là môi trường khắc nghiệt dành cho các nghệ sĩ. Đối với các nữ nghệ sĩ, áp lực từ cái nhìn của công chúng còn nặng nề hơn rất nhiều.

Bất bình đẳng giới đang là một vấn đề nóng ở nhiều nền giải trí trên khắp thế giới. Ở Mỹ, phong trào “Me Too” (bắt nguồn từ hashtag #MeToo) đã khởi phát từ năm 2017 và trở thành một dấu mốc quan trọng trong lịch sử làng giải trí USUK. Tuy nhiên, ở Hàn Quốc, bất bình đẳng giới tại Kpop vẫn đang là một vấn đề gây tranh cãi.

Nền công nghiệp giải trí xứ Hàn nổi tiếng là một môi trường khắc nghiệt dành cho các nghệ sĩ. Họ phải đáp ứng các tiêu chuẩn cao không chỉ về chuyên môn mà còn ở cuộc sống đời tư. Đối với các nghệ sĩ nữ, áp lực từ cái nhìn của công chúng còn nặng nề hơn rất nhiều.

Sự ra đi của Goo Hara và Sulli để lại nhiều tiếc nuối trong lòng dư luận.

Trước khán giả, họ bị đòi hỏi phải có những màn trình diễn thật sexy, bốc lửa. Tuy nhiên, sau khi rời khỏi ánh hào quang sân khấu, những nghệ sĩ phái đẹp còn chịu áp lực phải giữ hình ảnh thật trong sáng, thánh thiện.

Chỉ một scandal nhỏ liên quan đến thái độ ứng xử hoặc hình ảnh riêng tư cũng có thể khiến họ phải trả giá bằng cả sự nghiệp.

Mất sự nghiệp dù chỉ là nạn nhân

Tháng 10/2018, nữ ca sĩ Goo Hara dính vào bê bối hành hung bạn trai và lộ clip nóng. Cựu thành viên Kara và tình cũ Choi Jong Bum xô xát với nhau, sau đó, gã muốn bán video nhạy cảm của Goo Hara cho truyền thông.

Ý đồ của Choi Jong Bum không thực hiện được nhưng việc “búp bê Hàn Quốc” Goo Hara có video nóng với bạn trai khiến hình tượng của cô sụp đổ. Khán giả cho rằng nữ diễn viên sống phóng túng nên mới dẫn đến rắc rối. Nhiều người còn tìm đến căn hộ chung cư của cô ở Seoul để gây rắc rối.

Thông điệp cuối cùng của Goo Hara trước khi qua đời là "chúc ngủ ngon".

Không chỉ mất đi đáng kể thị trường khán giả trong nước, phản ứng của dư luận cũng khiến cho Goo Hara gặp khó khăn trong việc tìm kiếm những hợp đồng biểu diễn. Sau khi tự tử hụt vào ngày 28/5, nữ thần tượng quyết định rời quê nhà và chuyển tới Nhật Bản. Sự thành công trước đó của Kara tại đất nước mắt trời mọc giúp cô được xuất hiện trở lại trên sân khấu dù ít ỏi.

Tuy nhiên, sau khi người bạn thân trong làng giải trí là Sulli tự tử, Goo Hara cũng đã từ biệt cuộc sống vào ngày 24/11. Cảnh sát tìm thấy trong căn phòng của nữ ca sĩ một mẩu giấy ghi thông điệp cảm thấy tuyệt vọng. Lời nhắn cuối cùng người đẹp gửi tới khán giả trên trang cá nhân là “chúc ngủ ngon”.

Sulli cũng là một trường hợp thương tâm khác của áp lực dư luận. Nữ ca sĩ gây tranh cãi bởi loạt hình ảnh nổi loạn và phóng túng trên mạng xã hội. Cô qua đời hồi tháng 10 sau thời gian đối diện với áp lực từ công chúng, những lời mồi chài và ánh mắt dung tục của đám đông.

Nữ ca sĩ/diễn viên nổi tiếng từng nói về việc bị "cưỡng hiếp bằng mắt bởi những gã đàn ông xa lạ". Nhưng công chúng không quan tâm đến chia sẻ của cô. Họ cho rằng "cô điên khùng và ảo giác".

Trước đó, vào năm 2005, nữ diễn viên Lee Eun Joo đã tự sát ở tuổi 25 sau khi đóng phim có nhiều cảnh nóng. Thời điểm đó, Lee Eun Joo vừa hoàn thành hai dự án phim tạo nhiều tiếng vang là The Scarlet Letter và Taeguki. Không ai nghĩ rằng nữ diễn viên sẽ tìm đến cái chết.

Lee Eun Jo từng phải tự sát do áp lực dư luận từ cảnh nóng.

Nhiều năm sau, cảnh sát và gia đình Lee Eun Joo mới công bố nội dung bức di thư của nữ diễn viên. Theo đó, chính những cảnh nóng và sự bó buộc của đoàn phim The Scarlet Letter là nguyên nhân khiến minh tinh tài năng phải quyên sinh.

Cụ thể, phía làm phim đã vin vào cớ Lee Eun Joo có kinh nghiệm diễn cảnh nóng trong các phim trước đó để bắt cô thực hiện những quay táo bạo mà chỉ cần nhìn vào thôi cũng thấy đỏ mặt.

Một nạn nhân khác của truyền thông là hoa hậu Hàn Quốc Oh Hyun Kyung. Người đẹp họ Oh đăng quang năm 1989. Ban đầu, con đường nghệ thuật của cô khá thuận buồm xuôi gió nhờ ngoại hình xinh đẹp và khả năng nhập vai khá tốt trong loạt tác phẩm ăn khách.

Oh Hyun Kyung mất cả sự nghiệp vì bị bạn trai trả thù bằng clip nóng.

Tuy nhiên, sự nghiệp của cô đã bị làm cho tan tành sau khi clip quan hệ tình ái bị tung lên mạng xã hội. Cựu hoa hậu cho biết bạn trai cũ đã đặt máy quay lén và phát tán lên mạng để trả thù cô.

Song, công chúng không chấp nhận lý do trên và liên tục chỉ trích cô là người có lối sống trụy lạc. Vì scandal clip nóng này, Oh Hyun Kyung phải rút khỏi ngành giải trí và sống lưu vong gần 10 năm ở Mỹ.

Việc lộ video nóng của phái đẹp ở Hàn có hậu quả nghiêm trọng là vậy nhưng ở phía đối diện, những sự vụ tương tự của các nghệ sĩ nam lại cho ra kết quả khác hẳn.

Ngày 1/8, cựu thành viên H.O.T Kang Ta bị người mẫu Woo Joo Ahn đăng tải đoạn video trong đó hai người có những cử chỉ thân mật.

Đoạn video thu hút sự chú ý của công chúng Hàn Quốc. Ngay sau đó, tin tức Kang Ta hẹn hò với người mẫu đua xe Woo Joo Ahn cũng được lan truyền trên mạng xã hội.

Tuy nhiên, SM Entertainment – công ty quản lý của Kang Ta cho biết mối quan hệ giữa hai người đã chấm dứt từ lâu. Vụ cô gái đăng tải video là do nhầm lẫn và sau đó đã nhanh chóng xóa đi. Sau thông tin này, cư dân mạng Hàn Quốc đã chỉ trích Woo Joo Ahn là “kẻ hám lợi”, “muốn nổi tiếng”, “cố tình hủy hoại thanh danh Kang Ta”...

Lỗ hổng trong luật pháp

Sự ra đi gần đây của Goo Hara đã tạo ra một cơn địa chấn trong lòng dư luận xứ Hàn. Nhiều người cho rằng thái độ của Hàn Quốc với vấn đề bình đẳng giới cần phải có sự thay đổi toàn diện ngay lập tức. Một làn sóng yêu cầu kiểm tra và cải cách luật pháp đã được tạo ra ở nước này, nhằm ngăn cản triệt để những hành vi tấn công tình dục và đe dọa bằng clip sex.

Trên mạng xã hội Hàn Quốc lúc này, hai hashtag phổ biến nhất đều mang nội dung kêu gọi có biện pháp trừng phạt nặng hơn với bạn trai cũ của Goo Hara và cập nhật lại định nghĩa “tấn công tình dục” trong pháp luật.

Trong phiên xử hồi tháng 8, một thẩm phán đã xử Choi Jong Bum án tù treo 1 năm 6 tháng bởi các tội danh: hủy hoại tài sản, cố ý gây thương tích, đe dọa, cưỡng ép.

Bạn trai cũ của Goo Hara chỉ phải chịu án tù treo 1 năm 6 tháng.

Tuy nhiên, vị thẩm phán này không cho rằng Choi đã vi phạm pháp luật khi quay lén nữ ca sĩ. Lý do được đưa ra là Goo Hara đã biết rõ người yêu cài trộm camera nhưng sau đó không yêu cầu xóa clip.

Đồng thời, ông cũng yêu cầu phát lại đoạn video nóng trong phiên xử sắp tới. Thông tin này khiến dư luận Hàn Quốc hết sức phẫn nộ. Họ cho rằng thẩm phán không chỉ thiếu công bằng với Goo Hara mà còn làm tổn thương cô ấy một lần nữa.

Mặc dù quay lén có thể dẫn đến đe dọa phát tán hình ảnh nóng nhưng hành vi này vẫn chưa bị khởi tố tại Hàn Quốc. Trong khi đó, đây là một hành động bị ngăn cấm tuyệt đối tại hơn 40 bang ở Mỹ và nhiều nơi khác trên thế giới.

Một lá đơn khiếu nại với khoảng 250.000 chữ ký đã được gửi đến văn phòng của tổng thống, yêu cầu cập nhật lại hệ thống pháp luật. Những nhà lập pháp Hàn Quốc cho rằng đây là thời điểm thích hợp nhất để bổ sung điều luật cho phép trừng phạt những kẻ tung clip/ảnh nóng hoặc quay lén những hình ảnh này một cách dễ dàng và nghiêm khắc hơn.

Nhà lập pháp cánh tả Lee Jung Mi chia sẻ trên mạng xã hội rằng cái chết của Goo Hara là một hồi chuông cảnh tỉnh đối với Hàn Quốc vì “quốc gia không thể tiếp tục làm ngơ trước hành vi quay lén và phát tán video bất hợp pháp”.

Tháng 9/2018, bà Lee đã giới thiệu một dự thảo để xem xét lại định nghĩa “hiếp dâm” trong Bộ luật Hình sự. Theo nhà lập pháp này, tiêu chuẩn xử phạt tội phạm tình dục hiện nay của Hàn Quốc không tập trung vào sự đồng ý của nạn nhân mà tùy theo việc họ đã “kháng cự” đến mức nào.

Phản ứng chậm chạp của chính quyền

Trước sự nổi giận của dư luận, Tổng thống Moon Jae In đã kêu gọi điều tra diện rộng các vụ tấn công tình dục trong ngành giải trí và ra lệnh mở lại hồ sơ những vụ án tương tự trong quá khứ. Hồi tháng 6/2017, ông Moon cho ban hành một nghị định cho phép nâng mức phạt tù của những tội danh quay lén lên đến 5 năm.

Tuy nhiên, hiện nhà lãnh đạo Hàn Quốc vẫn chưa có bình luận nào về cái chết của Goo Hara cũng như làn sóng yêu cầu sửa đổi luật pháp. Dù trước đó, vào ngày 19/11, ông Moon đã hứa sẽ cải thiện vị thế của nữ giới trong xã hội: “Hiện trạng này ở nước ta vẫn còn đen tối hơn rất nhiều so với phần còn lại của thế giới. Tôi cam kết với các bạn sẽ chú ý hơn tới vấn đề bình đẳng giới trong thời gian tới”.

Chính phủ Hàn Quốc vẫn chưa có động thái chỉnh sửa luật.

Những người yêu cầu cải cách đang tỏ ra rất sốt ruột trước tốc độ phản ứng của nhà cầm quyền. Họ cho rằng đây là thời điểm phải kiên quyết tạo ra sự thay đổi, khi mà cái chết của Goo Hara, Sulli vẫn chưa bị dư luận lãng quên.

Cô Yun Dan Woo, nhà văn và nhà hoạt động nữ quyền chia sẻ: “Thông điệp hiện tại của hệ thống công lý nước nhà gửi tới phụ một thông điệp rằng nó sẽ không bao giờ có thể bảo vệ được họ”.

“Xã hội Hàn Quốc có một quan niệm sai lầm rằng những kẻ hiếp dâm giống như những con quái vật chui ra từ hẻm khuất mỗi tối. Tuy nhiên, họ không hề biết rằng thủ phạm nhiều khi lại chính là những người thân thiết và gần gũi với nạn nhân”, Claire Park, nhà hoạt động xã hội của Trung tâm hỗ trợ nạn nhân tấn công tình dục Hàn Quốc chia sẻ.

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Quỳnh Nga kể hậu trường cảnh nóng 'chóng mặt' với Chí Nhân

Quỳnh Nga dùng từ "gây chóng mặt" và 'đau tim' khi nói về cảnh nóng táo bạo với Chí Nhân trong tập 18 phim "Sinh tử".

Nguồn: Sưu Tầm

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