The Top American Ladies Figure Skating Performances of All Time
Grace Combined with Athletic Power Leads to the Most Beautiful Moments in Sports
The judging may still be subjective, but figure skating remains the most popular spectator Olympic sport. And for good reason. The years of early-morning at the rings all come down to four or five minutes skating in front of Olympic judges and a worldwide performance. Ice skaters who happen to peak at that moment will become a role model for young girls everywhere. If you peak at another time, plan on a life of obscurity and hope for a career as a coach or choreographer.This article has links to the top ladies figure skating performances, short or long, available through YouTube. There's a few that aren't available...Debbie Thomas at the 88 nationals, Elaine Zayak in 82 and Tiffany Chin in 84 come to mind. But enjoy these beautiful performances that are, through the miracle of technology, preserved for fans.
For those that love only the off-the-rink drama, I'll prepare you. Nancy and Tonya aren't on my list. If you're a fan, feel free to state your case. Perhaps we'll have a part II of this article.
1. Nicole Bobek at the 1995 Nationals (the same performance was given at the worlds)
This is Nicole's personal best and one of the best choreographed performances of all time. This performance has left figure skating fans shaking their heads for the past ten years, wondering why she could be this could one year and just-shy-of-great for the rest of her career. Unfortunately, this was a non-Olympic year, although Bobek made two lackluster Olympic appearances.
2. Sarah Hughes 2002 Winter Olympics
Wow...this may be the most perfect performance ever. She's making triple-triples look like she's flying, with tight rotations and such height. She doesn't even bop on her landings. Her graceful footwork and dance moves are far better than her more mature and experienced competitors. And the best part about it? Sarah enjoys every moment. If she's nervous, it doesn't show. I don't know if I have ever seen a skater so relaxed.
- www.usfsa.org/ - the governing body for U.S. figure skating, offers free online coverage
- www.nbcolympics.com/figureskating/index.html - review the history and get a preview of the 2010 games.
- www.vancouver2010.com/en/athletes-and-sports/sports/-/40822/34238/a9ccqi/figure-skati - homw page for 2010 games
Comments
Those are some amazing performances, yes! :) Gearing up for Olympic action!
I remember all these ladies. I used to be so into figure skating it was an obsession! I had to ween myself. Now I'm addicted to AC.
Watching ice skating is like watching golf.
Enjoyable post here!
Fun read, very cool article!
I'm grateful you spared us the off-the-rink drama. What a neat read!
Great article.
Damian Lee
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/20/2009
I can see why you like these performances and these skaters but I do not understand the ordering of them or the inclusion of Nicole Bobek's program that was an exhibition!!!
And while I love Kristi Yamaguchi to death you made one glarring error in your assesment of her performance there. The fall she had near the end was on the EASIEST triple, the salchow, not one of the more difficult jumps as you claim. It was always a problem jump for Kristi as she only landed in approximately twice in competition. EVER.
To truly have the greatest programs ever by the American Ladies of Figure Skating would probably involve about 20 or so because there are a lot of them.
KJ
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/20/2009
As a die-hard Michelle Kwan fan, I could name many programs of Michelle which I believe are some of "The top American Ladies Figure Skating Performances of All Time." Because a few of my personal favorites have been mentioned, I will name a few that have not been listed.
-Michelle Kwan's 1994 Worlds Long Program:
Being thirteen and carrying the added pressure of having to place in the top ten to garn two spots for next year's Worlds is just a situation most thirteen year olds have to do. But little Michelle Kwan skated a program filled with 7 triple jumps and placing eight; securing two spots for next year's worlds in Birmingham, England.
Though I am a big Michelle Kwan fan, I have seen performances from the past which also I feel should be listed here.
Debi Thomas's 1988 Nationals Long Program:
Well, I was not even born when she skates this program. Even though, she left out a triple (the salchow) in the beginning, with the triple toe triple toe combination (which looked
Love figure skating!
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