Artistic Expression vs. Technical Precision:
Striking the Balance in Olympic Ice Skating

Olympic ice skating, one of the Winter Games’ most popular disciplines, captivates spectators with its unique blend of athleticism and artistic beauty. For decades, the sport has effectively combined these two components, challenging skaters to do technically difficult movements such as leaps, spins, and footwork while simultaneously presenting an artistically captivating performance. However, recent score trends have raised worries that the balance between these two components is changing in favor of artistic expression over technical performance. While many claim that artistic qualities boost overall performance and are crucial for success, I propose that the rising emphasis on artistic expression may lead to a loss in technical performance, raising concerns about the future of sport.

Recent research in sports science and figure skating scoring patterns has revealed a substantial shift in how skaters are evaluated, with a higher emphasis on artistic presentation rather than technical proficiency. An examination of Olympic figure skating scoring trends over the last two decades reveals that, while artistic components of skaters’ performances—such as choreography, interpretation, and presentation—have received increasingly higher scores, technical elements such as jumps and spins have not seen comparable increases. In other situations, elite skaters’ technical scores have stagnated or even deteriorated, which is concerning for a sport typically distinguished by a combination of creativity and athleticism.This growing disparity shows that skaters are being compensated more for their ability to express emotion and tell a story on the ice than for performing the technically challenging movements that are key to figure skating.

One of the most visible examples of this transition is the revisions to the International Skating Union (ISU) judging system. The ISU scoring system, which debuted in 2004, splits a skater’s score into two categories: Technical Element Score (TES) and Program Components Score (PCS). The TES evaluates the difficulty and execution of technical components such as jumps, spins, and footwork. The PCS, on the other hand, assesses the performance’s artistry, which includes elements such as skating ability, transitions, performance, composition, and musical interpretation. Over time, the PCS has gained in prominence, resulting in situations where skaters with technically simpler programs but higher artistic marks outperformed those with more difficult technical parts but less emphasis on artistic presentation.

This trend is most seen in the results of recent Olympic games. For example, at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Russian skater Adelina Sotnikova won gold over South Korean favorite Yuna Kim, sparking much discussion. Sotnikova’s triumph was contentious since many viewers and pundits thought Kim’s technical ability and consistency were superior. However, Sotnikova’s program garnered higher scores in the Program Components Score, notably in the areas of interpretation and performance, enabling her to win the gold medal. This instance demonstrates how the increased emphasis on artistic expression can occasionally result in situations in which technically stronger skaters are outscored by those with greater artistic flair.

This rising emphasis on creative expression raises crucial considerations regarding the sport’s evolution and the future of competitive figure skating. While creativity has always been an important aspect of figure skating’s allure, the discipline has historically been based on technical proficiency. Skaters are expected to do difficult leaps, spins, and footwork with grace and poise. As the emphasis shifts toward rewarding creativity more heavily, skaters may focus less on pushing the limits of technical difficulty and more on honing the creative components of their routines.This could reduce the technical difficulty of programs over time, as skaters choose safer, less hard elements to ensure a flawless artistic presentation.

One of the most troubling parts of this phenomena is how it affects skaters’ psychology. Skaters are under intense pressure to give performances that not only meet technical requirements but also emotionally engage the judges and audience. As artistic expression becomes a more important component of the scoring system, skaters may feel obliged to favor creativity over technical competence, focusing on the emotional storytelling of their routines rather than the execution of challenging leaps and spins. This shift in focus may result in a decline in overall technical quality of performances, as skaters trade technical difficulty for artistic presentation.

The psychological impact of this change is profound. Many skaters endure anxiety and tension when attempting to balance the demands of both artistry and technical execution. The pressure to create a flawless artistic performance can heighten the fear of falling or making a technical error. This mental strain can lead to a decrease in the complexity of technical parts, as skaters may choose safer, less challenging routines to avoid making mistakes that will lower their points. Long-term, this approach may result in a fall in the sport’s technical standards, as skaters and coaches favor artistic expression above technical innovation.

In addition to its influence on individual skaters, this shift in focus raises questions about the judging system’s credibility. Figure skating is unique in that its scoring system includes both objective and subjective factors. While technical elements may be measured objectively—jumps are either landed or not, spins are either completed or not—the artistic components of a performance are intrinsically subjective. Judges’ assessments of a skater’s performance, emotional impact, and relationship to the song might differ greatly, resulting in disparities in scoring. As artistic expression becomes more integrated into the scoring system, the possibility of subjective bias grows, potentially undermining the competition’s fairness and credibility.

My research seeks to shed light on this critical and frequently ignored problem by diving into the subtle interplay of artistic and technical components in Olympic figure skating. Through an examination of previous events, scoring trends, and interviews with skaters and coaches, I will investigate the implications of valuing creative expression and argue for a rethinking of how we assess performance in Olympic ice skating. While creative expression is clearly a significant aspect of the sport, it is critical to strike a balance that keeps technical proficiency at the forefront of competitive figure skating. Only by addressing this issue will we ensure that the sport evolves in a way that respects both its artistic and athletic roots.

In recent times, Olympic figure skating has undergone a significant transformation in its judging criteria, placing greater importance on artistic expression in addition to technical execution. Although this change has enhanced the sport’s visual appeal, it has also ignited discussions regarding its effect on skaters’ technical skills. This essay contends that the increased emphasis on artistry has resulted in a decrease in technical execution among Olympic figure skaters, as athletes devote more attention to choreography and presentation rather than intricate jumps and spins.

The main reason for this decline is the International Skating Union’s (ISU) adoption of the International Judging System (IJS), which assigns considerable weight to artistic elements such as interpretation, choreography, and skating abilities. The Program Components Score (PCS) assesses factors like musical interpretation and the fluidity of the routine, which can overshadow the Technical Elements Score (TES), where challenging jumps and spins receive recognition. This scoring approach motivates skaters to concentrate more on artistic elements to optimize their scores.

Consequently, skaters have adjusted their training routines, spending more time refining choreographic sequences and enhancing musical expression, often at the cost of practicing high-risk elements such as quadruple jumps. As a result, competitions showcase fewer technically demanding routines, with skaters choosing safer, less difficult elements to secure higher artistic scores. This trend is reflected in an analysis of scoring patterns, which indicates a decline in the average number of quadruple jumps attempted per program in recent years.

Critics may argue that prioritizing artistic elements makes the sport more captivating and approachable to a broader audience, thereby boosting its popularity. They suggest that the harmony between artistry and technical skill elevates the overall quality of performances, making routines more unforgettable and emotionally resonant. Nevertheless, this viewpoint neglects the essential nature of figure skating as a competitive sport, where technical excellence should still be a key criterion. By favoring artistry over technical difficulty, the sport risks losing its competitive essence, as routines increasingly focus on performance flair instead of athletic competence. Conversations with elite coaches reveal a rising concern that the upcoming generation of skaters may lack the technical grounding that has traditionally distinguished the sport.

In summary, the heightened focus on artistic expression in Olympic figure skating has unintentionally led to a reduction in technical skill. While the sport’s aesthetic dimension has improved, the diminished emphasis on complex jumps and spins threatens to undermine the athletic spectacle that captivates fans and competitors alike. If this trend persists, the future of the sport may drift away from its foundation as a showcase of athletic prowess, becoming more similar to a performing arts exhibition. It is crucial for governing organizations like the ISU to find a better equilibrium in scoring criteria to uphold the sport’s integrity and competitive spirit.

For years, Olympic figure skating has been caught in a tug-of-war between two competing priorities: technical skill and artistic expression. Athletes, judges, and fans alike have debated which aspect deserves more focus. Some believe that technical difficulty and artistry can coexist in harmony, elevating the sport as both an athletic competition and a performance art. But while this idea sounds great in theory, it doesn’t hold up when you consider the trade-offs skaters face in practice. Striking the perfect balance between the two is far more challenging than many would like to admit.

Critics of placing too much emphasis on technical execution argue that artistry is just as important to the identity of figure skating. They point to skaters like Nathan Chen and Yuna Kim, who are celebrated for their ability to combine breathtaking choreography with jaw-dropping technical skills. For these athletes, artistry is not just an add-on; it’s what makes their routines memorable. Advocates for balance argue that artistry is what keeps figure skating from becoming a cold, mechanical sport like gymnastics or track and field. By prioritizing artistic elements, figure skating can remain a performance-driven art form that connects emotionally with audiences.

This perspective also pushes back against the idea that emphasizing artistry threatens the technical evolution of the sport. Supporters argue that figure skating can grow technically while staying true to its artistic roots. In fact, they claim that artistry makes the sport more accessible and relatable, helping it reach a wider audience. From this point of view, my argument—that artistry should take a backseat to technical execution—seems overly critical and even dismissive of what makes figure skating unique.

At first glance, it’s hard to argue with this. After all, who doesn’t love watching a skater nail a technically difficult routine while also delivering an emotional performance that gives you goosebumps? But when you look closer, the idea of balancing technical difficulty and artistry isn’t as realistic as it seems.

The reality is that skaters are already under enormous pressure to excel in both areas, and asking them to perfect both is simply too much. Take quadruple jumps, for example. These advanced technical elements require hours of grueling practice, intense physical conditioning, and laser-sharp focus. This kind of preparation leaves very little time—or energy—for perfecting the intricate choreography needed to score high on artistic components. The result? Burnout, injuries, and inconsistent performances. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, several skaters who had clearly spent countless hours perfecting their artistry struggled to land their jumps, showing just how difficult it is to balance the two.

On top of that, the judging system doesn’t make things any easier. While official guidelines claim to give equal weight to technical and artistic elements, the numbers tell a different story. Judges tend to reward technically demanding programs more because they’re easier to measure and compare. This creates a disadvantage for skaters who lean into artistry, no matter how beautiful their routines are. Jason Brown is a perfect example. His artistry is second to none, yet he consistently places behind skaters who prioritize technical difficulty.

Overemphasizing artistry also comes with long-term risks for the sport as a whole. Figure skating thrives on innovation, especially when it comes to pushing the boundaries of what’s technically possible. But if skaters feel pressured to prioritize artistry, they may hold back from attempting groundbreaking technical elements. Why risk a lower score or an injury for a move that judges might not fully appreciate? This reluctance could slow down the sport’s evolution, making it less competitive over time.

Finally, there’s the mental toll this balancing act takes on skaters. Trying to be both an athlete and an artist at the highest level of competition is exhausting. Many skaters report feeling like they’re never enough—either they’re not technical enough to compete with the best jumpers, or they’re not artistic enough to captivate the audience. This constant pressure can lead to anxiety, injuries, and even early retirements, which hurts both the athletes and the sport as a whole.

The idea of balancing technical skill and artistic expression in figure skating is appealing, but it simply doesn’t align with the realities of competitive skating today. In an ideal world, skaters would have the time, energy, and resources to perfect both. But in the real world, something has to give. Technical execution is what drives the sport forward, and it needs to remain the priority. Artistry should still play a role—it’s what makes figure skating so special—but it must be a secondary, complementary element. If we want figure skating to keep its place as one of the most exciting and dynamic Olympic sports, we need to prioritize what truly sets it apart: its technical rigor and athletic innovation.

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/

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