> Is it just me, or is the magic draining out of Olympic-level figure skating?
There are indications that the new figure skating judging rules are doing exactly that. This article in Slate explains why it is so:
http://www.slate.com/id/2136701/
Basically, under the new rules it is possible for a skater to get more points for a flawed execution of a technically difficult move, than for a perfect execution of a simple move. Even if she falls on difficult jumps, it is still possible for her to get more points than if she performed simpler moves flawlessly. So the skaters have every incentive to pack their routines with technically challenging elements, and care less about grace, elegance or artistry.
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unless-spring.livejournal.com at 06:08pm on 26/02/2006![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
There are indications that the new figure skating judging rules are doing exactly that. This article in Slate explains why it is so:
http://www.slate.com/id/2136701/
Basically, under the new rules it is possible for a skater to get more points for a flawed execution of a technically difficult move, than for a perfect execution of a simple move. Even if she falls on difficult jumps, it is still possible for her to get more points than if she performed simpler moves flawlessly. So the skaters have every incentive to pack their routines with technically challenging elements, and care less about grace, elegance or artistry.