A double axel used to be enough, but now it must be performed at a rate that will bring in points and earn a level.
It is frustrating to the more experienced athletes used to the old system, but constant updates and adjustments are being made to accommodate the skater.
The requirements vary from level to level depending on the area either singles, dance, or pairs skating. There are also different variations in mens' and womens' requirements as well.
Men have longer program durations as well as more jumping and spin passes with an additional footwork sequence than what the women do. Dance teams used to not only have their free dance and original dance, but also compulsory dances. Now, that has changed and the compulsories are no longer a requirement in competitions.
Under the old system there were also more risks taken and harder elements being attempted. It used to be about how daring one was and now it is more about playing it close to the books and just adding variations.
That however did not stop Brandon Mroz who represents the Broadmoor Skating Club. He performed the first ever quadruple Lutz in his short program at the Colorado Springs Invitational.
It also is not holding Team USA back in the competitions. They earned three medals in the 2011 Skate Canada and the 2011 Cup of Nice.
Ashley Wagner claimed the bronze medal in the ladies event after she was second in the short program.
Keegan Messing made his first senior debut placing first and capturing the gold. He went into the long program sitting in first and scored a fourth place finish in the long. Messing managed to hold on to the gold and capture the title in the end though.
Mary Beth Marley and Rockne Brubaker won the bronze medal.
So new adjustments are just slight changes for these top-of-the-line athletes who just keep prevailing to the top.
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| Ashley Wagner demonstrates her flexibility at the 2011 Skate Canada http://www.usfsa.org |
