Figure skating

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Figure skaters competing at the highest level of international competition are not "professional" skaters. They are sometimes referred to as amateurs although they do receive some money. The term "professional" in skating refers not to skill level but eligibility status. A professional skater is one who is not eligible for ISU competitions and the Olympics. Professional skaters may range from former Olympic and World champions who have ended their competitive career to skaters with little or no international competitive experience.


Major international competitions are sanctioned by the ISU. These include the Winter Olympic Games, the World Championships, the World Junior Championships, the European Championships, the Four Continents Championships, and the Grand Prix series (senior and junior).



Figure skating is an Olympic sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform spins, jumps, footwork and other intricate and challenging moves on ice skates. Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner up to the Olympic level (senior), and at local, national, and international competitions. The International Skating Union (ISU) regulates international figure skating judging and competitions. Figure skating is an official event in the Winter Olympic Games. In languages other than English and Russian, figure skating is usually referred to by a name that translates as "artistic skating".