What has changed for the better in figure skating?

[CanadianSkaterGuy]

Yeah to me it's more that awkward positions are overrewarded. I'd far rather see a gorgeous standard camel than one with a sloppy free leg - but in the system they're both rewarded the same, and then the judges score it same on GOE as well.

There's no difference between a classic attitude layback versus a layback with a dropped leg either for a level (neither is considered a 'difficult' variation), and judges barely differentiate between the GOE too.

With some better rules and implementation of rules, there's no reason to not keep the more flexible positions. In fact the standard camel and classic layback both require a greater deal of flexibility than some other positions that are considered 'difficult'.

Main thing about spins is that they last too long. Steps too. I think we can make the spins shorter by requiring only three level features (max level 3), though.

Oh the worst is the side leaning spin - you can’t even call some of those a difficult position - it’s basically rotating enough before the skater grabs the catch foot and pulls it up into a level 4 biellmann. An attitude layback is rare but I also think it’s better than some laybacks that were held for three or four rotations and that’s about it. YMMV

 

[Arigato]

Alysa winning Breakthrough Athlete of the Year at the ESPY Awards tonight. If that's not better for the sport, I don't what is.