Spirals/Laybacks

[Callystarr]

Who do you think, outside of the US has the best Spiral and Laybacks?

[eliza88]

Lucinda Ruh!!

[tharrtell]

Yuka's are nice. I'm sure there are more, but I'm having trouble thinking of skaters who hold their spirals long enough and/or a have Button-approved foot position on their laybacks.

[SteveKmetko374]

I like Lucinda's - not the classic layback but the one where her back is practically, if not actually, parallel to the ice.

[Callystarr]

Fumie Suguri among the eligible skaters has a decent layback with good speed, and arm variations.

As far as spirals, from what I can remember...I am not sure but i think Drei, Kettnunen, or Poykio had a really good spiral sequence...

[Cherub72182]

Oksana Baiul... nice spiral position and sideways leaning layback.

[lottafs]

Showdown between Kwan and Cohen.

[maxell1313]

**Showdown between Kwan and Cohen.**


Outside of the US?

[Linny]

You mean best as in "Dick Button approved"?

For layback, it has to be Angela. I think Dick would return from the refrigerator break just long enough to mention that her layback is the best in the business (frivilous frumpery aside).

Linny

[AY2006]

"Outside of the US?"

Maybe kwan could represent China and Cohen could represent Ukraine (and Nikodinov could represent Bulgaria) someday. That would make more room for other US skaters... (j/k)

[sk8ing lady2001]

I enjoy Irina's spiral so much, like I have pointed out many times.

[heyang]

For layback, Ruh's incredible. She's practically a contortionist on her spins.

As for spirals, I don't think anyone can come close to the American ladies for extension and maintaining the position. Irina's does have an edge, but she seldom holds the extended leg in a nice position for the entire movement. It's hard to judge because TV doesn't focus only on the edge and it's easier to watch the extension.