Olympic Mailbag questions and answers

Posted: Wed February 11, 1998 at 1:51 PM ET

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Q : You have probably already explained this at some point (but I missed it!): What are clap skates and how are they different from prior speed skates?

Thank you!

Eve Dixon
Kalispell, Montana

Answer from Eric Heiden: The clap skate has a hinge mechanism at the toe which releases the blade at the heel as a skater moves down the ice. The advantage comes from the skater's ability to push off better with his toes and ankles, and get more speed, power and control. The ultimate result is a faster race.

Q: How can the Russian pair in pairs skating, sitting in third after the short program, be ahead of the American pair in fourth? At the start of the program, the Russian male fell on their landing and then stumbled again trying to catch up. I did not notice any major flaws in the American pair. Could this be biased judging by the Europeans? Please explain. Thanks for your time in advance.

Kevin Labourdette
Sterling Heights, Michigan

Answer from Peter Carruthers, Rosalynn Sumners and Alice Cook: The answer is related to judging, a subjective element of Olympic figure skating competition. The various judges simply evaluated some of the performances differently and awarded/deducted points based on the pairs' individual performances. The judging results of the short program have caused a bit of a stir at the Nagano Winter Olympics -- as figure skating judging has over the years in the Olympics.

Q: Is there a "scale" or just a "rule of thumb" of how many points to deduct when a error occurs in figure skating? Is it left up to the judge?

Russell Holliday
New Orleans, Louisiana

Answer from Peter Carruthers, Rosalynn Sumners and Alice Cook: There is a lengthy list of mandatory deductions that must be taken when a mistake is made on a required element in the short program. However, some judges choose to blink and miss errors among the favorite teams. The list of required elements is established by the International Skating Union (ISU), the international governing body of figure skating. The list of required elements/deductions includes dozens and dozens of elements.

Q: What are someone's chances of actually making it to the Olympics as a figure skater? How many people are on the team?

Jessica Knarr
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Answer from Peter Carruthers, Rosalynn Sumners and Alice Cook: On the 1998 U.S. Olympic figure skating team, there are two men, three ladies, two pairs and two dance teams. At the U.S. National Championships in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in January, more than 100 competitors took part at the senior level in the various disciplines (men's and women's singles, pairs and dance). Prior to the U.S. Nationals, thousands of American skaters in levels ranging from juvenile to the seniors competed for a c hance to go the Nationals. There is no formula for Olympic success or even for making the Olympic team. It takes great talent and years of dedication and hard work, usually beginning at a young age.

Q: Rosalynn, do you ever wish you had not turned professional so quickly after winning in the '84 Olympics and maybe competing again? And also will you be back in time to perform with the Stars on Ice in Cincinnati, OH? I hope so because I will be going and am looking forward to your performance!

Angie Smith
Georgetown, Ohio

Answer from Rosalynn Sumners: No, I don't regret turning professional after the 1984 Olympics. I had always planned on a one-time shot at the Olympics. While I enjoyed every minute of my Olympic experience, I honestly had had enough of the training and the pressure. And, at age 19, I was ready to move on with my life. I am very proud of my amateur career, but have had so much fun and enjoyment as a professional. One important aspect of that is the Discover Stars on Ice. Yes, I will be with the Tour in Cincinnati along with Scott Hamilton, Kristi Yamaguichi and many others. I hope you will enjoy the show. We enjoy skating for you. Thank you for thinking of me and for your support. The Discover Stars on Ice Tour is taking a break during the Olympics and will resume its tour on February 25 in Minneapolis.

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