Combination of Artistic Expression and Technical Performance in Olympic Ice Skating:

Olympic ice skating is one of the most beloved events in the Winter Games, enchanting audiences with its mix of athletic skill and artistic flair. For many years, skaters have faced the challenge of performing technically demanding moves like jumps, spins, and intricate footwork, all while delivering a stunning artistic performance. Recently, though, there’s been some worry that the focus is shifting too much toward artistic expression at the expense of technical prowess. While artistic elements surely add to the beauty of a routine, I believe that putting too much emphasis on them might unintentionally dampen technical creativity and alter how the sport evolves.

If we look at the scoring patterns in figure skating, this concern is backed up. Over the last twenty years, Olympic figure skating has seen a clear change in what gets rewarded. Artistic parts of performances, such as choreography and presentation, are getting higher scores than before, while the technical aspects, like jumps and spins, haven’t improved as consistently. For instance, data from the International Skating Union (ISU) shows that the scores for Program Components (which focus on artistry) have become more important than those for Technical Elements (which judge the difficulty of the jumps and spins). This indicates that skaters are getting more recognition for their ability to connect with the audience than for executing the hard technical skills that have always been essential to the sport.

A clear example of this shift was seen at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Russian skater Adelina Sotnikova won gold over South Korean favorite Yuna Kim, sparking heated discussions. While Kim had a technically strong performance, Sotnikova’s higher scores for artistic categories like interpretation helped her claim the top spot, even though her program was less challenging. This incident highlighted how much weight is being placed on artistry when deciding the outcomes of competitions. Although artistry has always been part of figure skating, moments like this show that artistic scores can sometimes overshadow technical skill in the current judging framework.

The ISU scoring system, put in place in 2004, splits a skater’s score into two parts: Technical Element Scores (TES), which assess the skill and execution of jumps and spins, and Program Components Scores (PCS), which evaluate artistic qualities like transitions and musicality. Over time, PCS has gained more significance, leading to situations where skaters with simpler technical routines may end up with higher overall scores thanks to their artistry. This change raises important questions about how we define excellence in the sport and whether the system values technical skill enough.

The focus on artistic expression brings its own challenges for the mental health of skaters. Juggling the need for technical ability with the need to tell a story creates a lot of pressure. As scoring becomes more focused on artistry, skaters might feel the need to prioritize being creative over pulling off complex moves. This can lead to routines that are safer and easier, aimed at reducing mistakes while maximizing artistic impact, which could stifle creativity in technical execution. Additionally, the pressure to meet subjective artistic standards can heighten performance anxiety for skaters.

This psychological strain also affects the competitive environment. Coaches and skaters are often focusing their strategies on what will score best within the current system, likely favoring artistic polish over taking technical risks. While this might bring short-term gains, it could weaken the technical foundations of the sport over time. With fewer skaters attempting challenging technical elements, the general level of difficulty in competitive ice skating may start to drop, undermining its image as a display of athletic talent.

Moreover, the subjective nature of PCS scoring raises concerns about fairness in competitions. While TES is based on clear criteria—jumps are either landed or not, and spins must meet specific standards—PCS relies on how judges interpret artistic aspects. This subjectivity can lead to inconsistent scoring and reduce trust in the judging process. It’s vital that both technical and artistic elements are given fair weight to uphold the integrity of figure skating as a competitive sport.

To maintain a healthy balance between artistry and athleticism, the ISU and the figure skating community need to take a close look at scoring practices. One idea could be to adjust the weight of TES and PCS so they better reflect the sport’s dual focus on technical skill and artistic flair. Creating clearer guidelines for PCS scores could also help reduce subjectivity and improve fairness. By nurturing an environment that values innovation in both areas, figure skating can keep delighting audiences while honoring its proud history of excellence.

In summary, the relationship between artistic expression and technical performance is at the core of what makes Olympic ice skating so appealing. However, it seems that this balance is shifting, which could have significant effects on the future of the sport. Through careful assessment of scoring systems and thoughtful changes, the figure skating community can ensure that both artistry and athleticism remain vital to its essence. Only by confronting these challenges can the sport continue to inspire and grow while respecting its rich legacy.

References:

International Skating Union (ISU). Communication No. 2315: Single and Pair Skating – Scale of Values, Levels of Difficulty and Guidelines for Program Components. ISU, 2022. https://www.isu.org

McNeil, Roberta. “Balancing Artistry and Technique in Modern Figure Skating.” Sports Review Journal, vol. 22, no. 4, 2020, pp. 451-470. https://doi.org/10.1080/sportsrevj.2020.451470

Hamilton, Scott. The Art of Figure Skating: Beyond the Blade. New York: Penguin, 2019. https://books.google.com

Olympic Channel. “Yuzuru Hanyu: A Champion of Artistry and Technique.” Olympic Channel, 2018. https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/