Singles skating is one of the most recognized figure skating disciplines in the United States and around the world. Champions such as Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, Michelle Kwan are well known around the world. These outstanding athletes are an inspiration to many and also invite everyone into the sport of figure skating. The singles discipline is a gateway to many opportunities in the sport.
The first U.S. Figure Skating Championships in singles was held in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1914. Since then, athletes have worked hard to qualify through the competitive pipeline for the prestigious U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which provide a springboard to international, world and Olympic competition.
The singles skating discipline is an individual sport where athletes execute a variety of required elements depending on their level. Jump, spin and step elements are evaluated by judges and technical panel officials in a piece called a “program.” These maneuvers are set to music and athletes are also judged for their skating skills, transitions, performance, composition and interpretation. Athletes in all levels perform free skate programs according to well-balanced program requirements. Athletes at levels intermediate and above (juvenile optional), perform a short program as well. Skaters may participate from the most emergent levels in Compete USA events, up to the highest levels of Olympic competition in the singles discipline. Along the way, there are a multitude of choices for each individual skater that offer rich experiences according to their engagement desires and athletic goals.
The singles discipline of figure skating is an exciting arm of the sport, offering entry points at a multitude of levels, inviting individuals into a lifelong relationship with the sport and also cultivating champions on and off the ice at the regional, sectional, U.S., international, World and Olympic levels. The sport of figure skating has something for everyone!
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