Short Track vs Long Track Speed Skating (April 2026) Key Differences Explained

Short Track vs Long Track Speed Skating

When you watch speed skating at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, you might notice two completely different competitions happening on ice. One features skaters racing alone against the clock on a massive oval. The other shows pack racing with elbows flying and dramatic crashes around impossibly tight turns. These are short track vs long track … Read more

Synthetic Ice vs Real Ice Rinks (April 2026) Complete Comparison Guide

Synthetic Ice vs Real Ice Rinks

Choosing between synthetic ice vs real ice rinks can feel overwhelming when you’re deciding how to invest your time and money. Our team has spent years researching both technologies, talking to hockey players, figure skaters, and facility managers to understand the real differences. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about synthetic ice … Read more

How Is Figure Skating Scored (2026) Complete IJS Guide

How Is Figure Skating Scored

Figure skating is scored using the International Judging System (IJS), where every performance breaks down into a simple formula: TES + PCS – Deductions = Total Score. TES (Technical Element Score) rewards jumps, spins, and footwork difficulty, while PCS (Program Component Score) scores artistry, presentation, and skating quality. Two separate panels of officials work together … Read more

How Does Figure Skating Work at the Olympics (April 2026) Complete Guide

How Does Figure Skating Work at the Olympics

Olympic figure skating combines athletic precision with artistic expression on ice. Understanding how does figure skating work at the Olympics transforms casual viewing into genuine appreciation. I have watched figure skating evolve over decades, and the scoring system changed dramatically after the 2002 Salt Lake City judging scandal. The International Skating Union (ISU) implemented the … Read more