Regardless of whether you prefer the 6.0 or IJS system, we can probably all agree that a good spin is fast, centred and includes beautiful/interesting positions. Hard work usually improves speed and centering for most people, but positions depend a lot on natural flexibility (although core strengthening and stretching can help). However, it's not universally true.
To give hope to skaters whose ligaments won't let them do an I-spin/Biellmann/donut (e.g. me ), can you name any favourite skaters who may not be gifted with contortionist-level flexibility, but who have great spinning talent? Or any skaters who used to be terrible at spins but improved a lot through training?
For the first, I nominate Stephane Lambiel, Todd Eldredge and Keegan Messing. Female examples are harder to come by (these days they all seem to be contortionists or damage their spines trying), perhaps Midori Ito?
As for most-improved skaters, I recall Michal Brezina and Brian Joubert - their spins aren't amazing but certainly much better than earlier in their careers.
To give hope to skaters whose ligaments won't let them do an I-spin/Biellmann/donut (e.g. me ), can you name any favourite skaters who may not be gifted with contortionist-level flexibility, but who have great spinning talent? Or any skaters who used to be terrible at spins but improved a lot through training?
For the first, I nominate Stephane Lambiel, Todd Eldredge and Keegan Messing. Female examples are harder to come by (these days they all seem to be contortionists or damage their spines trying), perhaps Midori Ito?
As for most-improved skaters, I recall Michal Brezina and Brian Joubert - their spins aren't amazing but certainly much better than earlier in their careers.