Most-Often Heard Skating Misinterpretations?

[JSR]

Back from the lurk, I've come to ask of your assistance. I'm hoping to write an article for the school newspaper, and I need some more misinterpretations of figure skating from those who don't figure skate. Or at least an issue in figure skating that I could use.

Here's what I've got so far:
~That all male skaters are homosexual :roll:
~That anyone who skates is a wuss
~That skaters just prance around on the ice in short skirts
~That skaters have no strength :evil:
~That skaters are stuck up

Got any more?

If I can't write that, then I'll probably write something on the controversy.

[cygnus]

All jumps are axels.

[who]

that all you have to do is wave your arms in the air wearing a skirt!

[mousey]

well heres a dumb question that i get asked all the time:
can you do a triple axel?:roll: :roll:
or can you do those twirly-spinny things?:roll: :roll:

[Skatewind]

Misinterpretations or misinformation???

[JDC1]

1) That ANY triple jump is easy
2) That everyone tries a 3 axel
3) That the skater that wins is the best skater
4) That landing a jump means in fact that you completed the jump
5) That the judges give a flying fig about costumes
6) That the audience influences the judges, that they are caught up in the audiences enthusiasm
7) That commentators are experts.

Misconceptions/misinformation/misinterpretation....

[sk8er1964]

That skating is not a sport, because we do it to music and in costume, and a competition's results are decided by judges.

The reality is that:

1) It is a sport because you compete and have winners and losers. If the fact that it is judged is the issue - so is diving and gymnastics, for example, as well as football, hockey and baseball (the refs/umpires make game-altering decisions every game).

2) Skaters have to be in excellent physical condition to skate a program. Programs require stamina, speed, and the ability to produce great bursts of energy in a reletively short period of time.

3) The quad jump was voted one of the hardest things to do in sports! (Sports Illustrated did the poll, I think, this past summer.)

[triple twist]

If you don't jump, then what exactly do you do???? <--Now THATS an eye roller! (I jump, but still I acknknowledge everything about skting)

[aloha]

i give it the old... can you do a triple axel???? or how bout a quad sour cow??? or those spinny things??? you know those ones??? lol it's pretty funny to listen to non skaters. and yes... it makes me rather mad when people are like non stop talking about how every guy is gay if they figure skate even though the top ones aren't. makes no sense to me.

[triple twist]

It doesnt matter either way, may they not be the best or be world champions! If you're gay, you're gay! Who cares! :D

[Fruit Loops]

Coming from an "outsider" to the sport, it took me forever to figure out that a spiral wasn't a spin.:oops: My sister (briefly!) took lessons years ago and that was how I learned my mistake.

[Isk8NYC]

Money feeds Talent (ie. more lessons & ice time = skills)
Reality: Skating and practice builds skills. If you just hang out
on the ice, take lessons but don't practice hard, you won't
improve. But your gloating skills get a workout!

Two pairs of socks will keep your feet warm.
Reality: They help cut off circulation, welcoming frostbite & pain

Buy skates a size too big, so the kids can "grow into them."
Reality: The skater can't control their feet UNTIL the skates are
"too tight."

All Skates are the Same
Reality: Good boots and sharp single blades are better than
$10 double runners from the discount store.

Start Them Early and They'll Get a Scholarship
Reality: If they're not ready, they'll hate skating and everyone
associated with it.

[skatepixie]

Myth: A girl who looks about the age of the people on TV, who also wears a pretty dress and can manage a waltz jump, is the USA's best olympic hope.

Truth: Its hard to get to the olympics. Only 3 girls in the US get to go every 4 years. Its even harder to win.

Myth: You have to be a dancer.

Truth: I dont dance. Im sure that dance helps. But you dont *have* to go it.

Myth: All skaters have eating disorders.

Truth: Do I have to say anything here? Not all thin girls are anorexics... Give me a break!

Myth: Skaters are stupid.

Truth: Im not stupid. Listen to the interviews. These are not stupid people.

Myth: pairs is easy.

Truth: Holding 90 lbs over yr head and thowing it isnt easy. Nor is being thrown easy. You have to be able to get the backspin position fast. Pairs also requires skills in unison and artistry in a way that singles doesnt.

Myth: If I get my kid customs for her first skates shell be a better skater.

Truth: You dont need skates that expensive. Some people with very weird feet might, however.

Myth: Customs=heavy boot.

Truth: Only if thats what you want.

Myth: "I cant skate. I have weak ankles."

Truth: I think Ill quote Maribel Vinson for this one. "It has been proved that not one person in a hundred really has weak ankles if he has properly fitting boots. On the other hand, anyone will have weak ankles in a boot that is too large in the heel and instep."

Myth: Ill never do a ____

Truth: Try. Dont be scared. You'll do it.

[Skatingsarah]

The ones that I heard the most are...
Figure skating is easy and its not a sport.
All Guys that skate are fags and they do it cuz they cant take hockey
"Can you do a backflip"
"Can you do a triple axel"
"hey, do you do that twirling thing"
"Don't you get bored, skating just doing jumps and spins??"

I'm sure some if not all have been mentioned but I hear them sooo often and they are annoying me as much as you guys too lol!

BTW great topic!