i was thinking the same thing. actually, i always wondered why figure skating has so few events versus other winter sports. for example, speed skating has 16 individual events (8 mens/ 8 womens) and 4 team events (2 mens / 2 womens). snowboarding has 10 individual events (5 mens/ 5 womens). figure skating only has 2 individual events (1 mens/ 1 womens), 2 pairs events (pairs/dance), and 1 team.
Wouldn't these events be fascinating?
1. Improv skate off! Skaters are given the music and theme a few hours before competition. Perhaps different music along same theme per skater so we don't have to watch same piece again and again? Each skater has to quickly prepare a skate to try to interpret the music. perhaps limited/no jumps required. the skaters with best basic skating skills, musicality and interpretative skills would shine. Every competition would be different. could be fun to see skaters trying to do music outside their comfort zone. I could see Kostner, Chan and Abbott doing well here. Older skaters could still compete longer too when athleticism starts to fade.
2. Jump off! Head to head. Seeding just like March Madness bracket. Run in groups of 4 skaters (just like short track speed skating). Only top finisher in group of 4 moves on. Skaters match each other on every jump type, eg 4 skaters do their best axel. then their best toe jump. You do this for all 6 jump categories. if there is a tie, you go to sudden death jump off. first to fall loses. This would be the event testing jumping technique, mental fortitude and consistency. Ito would have dominated this. Mao would have huge advantage with the only 3 axel. but she would need to be more consistent with her other jumps.
3. Plus, of course normal short program / long program competition. Perhaps make them seperate medal events.
Anyway, just a crazy idea.
Wouldn't these events be fascinating?
1. Improv skate off! Skaters are given the music and theme a few hours before competition. Perhaps different music along same theme per skater so we don't have to watch same piece again and again? Each skater has to quickly prepare a skate to try to interpret the music. perhaps limited/no jumps required. the skaters with best basic skating skills, musicality and interpretative skills would shine. Every competition would be different. could be fun to see skaters trying to do music outside their comfort zone. I could see Kostner, Chan and Abbott doing well here. Older skaters could still compete longer too when athleticism starts to fade.
2. Jump off! Head to head. Seeding just like March Madness bracket. Run in groups of 4 skaters (just like short track speed skating). Only top finisher in group of 4 moves on. Skaters match each other on every jump type, eg 4 skaters do their best axel. then their best toe jump. You do this for all 6 jump categories. if there is a tie, you go to sudden death jump off. first to fall loses. This would be the event testing jumping technique, mental fortitude and consistency. Ito would have dominated this. Mao would have huge advantage with the only 3 axel. but she would need to be more consistent with her other jumps.
3. Plus, of course normal short program / long program competition. Perhaps make them seperate medal events.
Anyway, just a crazy idea.