Team USA has big skates to fill during the Winter Olympics this month in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Since 1948, at least one American has medaled in figure skating in each Olympics. Team USA is sending 14 athletes to compete in one or more of these figure skating categories: Men’s, Women’s, Pairs, Ice Dance, and Team.
Figure skating actually made its Olympic debut at the Summer Olympics in 1908–before the Winter Olympics even existed! The sport combines physics, artistry, and athleticism. Figure skaters need to be able to complete difficult jumps and spins all while synchronizing their performances to music.