Introduction to Watching Figure Skating
Figure skating is a beloved winter sport that combines grace, athleticism, and artistry on the ice. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport, there are many ways to watch and enjoy figure skating events throughout the season. From live streams to TV broadcasts, this guide will help you find where to watch figure skating and catch all the excitement of this beautiful sport.
Why Figure Skating is Popular
Figure skating captures the hearts of fans around the world with its stunning routines, dazzling costumes, and incredible feats of skill. The sport showcases the talents of both individual skaters and pairs, who perform intricate jumps, spins, and dance moves set to music. Top figure skating events draw huge audiences who appreciate the dedication and artistry of these world-class athletes.
Figure skating also has a rich history and tradition, with many iconic moments etched in Olympic and world championship lore. From the perfect scores of Torvill and Dean, to the rivalry of Brian Boitano and Brian Orser, to the dominance of Yuzuru Hanyu, the sport creates legends that inspire each new generation of skaters and fans.
Types of Figure Skating Events
Figure skating competitions feature several disciplines that test skaters’ skills in different ways:
- Short Program – Skaters perform required elements in a routine lasting 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
- Free Skate – A longer program of 4 minutes (plus or minus 10 seconds) that allows skaters to showcase their artistry and technical mastery.
- Rhythm Dance – Ice dancers perform a pattern dance to a specific rhythm chosen each season.
- Free Dance – Couples interpret music through intricate step sequences and dance holds in a longer program.
These events are featured at competitions throughout the year, culminating in the World Figure Skating Championships and the Olympic Winter Games every four years. By following the season, fans can appreciate how skaters’ programs evolve and how the rivalries and standings shift from event to event.
Live Streaming Options for Figure Skating
With the rise of live streaming, it’s easier than ever to watch figure skating events as they happen, no matter where you are. Several key streaming platforms provide extensive coverage of the sport:
Watching Figure Skating on Peacock
Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, offers some of the most comprehensive coverage of figure skating. Subscribers can access live streams of major events like the U.S. Championships, World Championships, and the Olympics. Peacock also provides on-demand replays, highlights, and special features on the sport’s biggest names.
The service’s 24/7 Olympic Spotlight channel often features figure skating programming, allowing fans to relive historic performances and catch up on recent events. Subscribing to Peacock gives you a front row seat to the world of figure skating.
NBC Sports Coverage
As the long-time TV home of figure skating in the U.S., NBC Sports televises the sport’s marquee events on its broadcast and cable channels. Throughout the season, fans can watch live coverage of competitions like Skate America and the U.S. Championships on NBC and USA Network.
NBC Sports is also the place to watch figure skating during the Olympics, providing round-the-clock coverage across its various TV and digital platforms. Checking your local listings and the NBC Sports schedule will ensure you don’t miss the big events and moments.
With NBC’s on-air talent that includes former Olympians Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, the network’s coverage provides expert analysis and context that enhances the viewing experience for hardcore and casual fans alike. Its TV coverage is an essential complement to live streams.
Major Figure Skating Events to Watch
The figure skating calendar is packed with exciting events each year, but a few competitions stand out as must-see viewing:
World Figure Skating Championships 2024
The pinnacle of the figure skating season, the World Championships bring together the sport’s best skaters to vie for global supremacy. Held in the spring, “Worlds” often serves as a preview for the following year’s Olympics and a launching pad for new stars.
Fans can live stream every performance from the World Championships on Peacock, and watch televised recaps on NBC Sports. With skaters peaking at the right time, the level of skating at Worlds is always spectacular.
Olympic Channel On Ice
During breaks in the event schedule, Olympic Channel On Ice gives figure skating fans a way to further immerse themselves in the sport. This digital platform features an extensive library of programs showcasing legendary skaters, unforgettable performances, and rising talents.
Relive Olympic triumphs, rewatch recent competitions, or discover a new favorite skater – the Olympic Channel has it all. On Ice offers curated playlists that explore different themes and stories within figure skating. It’s a treasure trove for any dedicated fan looking to learn more about the sport’s past, present, and future.
Top Figure Skating Athletes to Follow
Part of the fun of being a figure skating fan is following your favorite athletes as they compete around the world. Here are a few of the sport’s biggest names to keep tabs on:
Yuzuru Hanyu
The two-time Olympic champion from Japan is considered by many to be the greatest skater of all time. Known for his elegance, technical mastery, and signature Winnie the Pooh tissue box, Hanyu has a devoted global fan base that hangs on his every performance.
While he’s currently on a break from competition, Hanyu’s exhibitions continue to make him a must-watch figure in the sport. Any return to competitive skating would be major news in the figure skating world.
Kim Yuna
Although retired since 2014, the impact of South Korea’s Kim Yuna is still felt in figure skating today. Her exquisite artistry and jumps set new standards for the sport and made her a megastar in her home country.
Many current skaters cite Kim as their inspiration, and her performances at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics are considered some of the greatest of all time. Revisiting her routines provides a master class in figure skating excellence.
Alina Zagitova
Russia’s Alina Zagitova burst onto the senior scene in 2017 and rapidly ascended to the top of the sport. With her explosive jumps and captivating performance quality, Zagitova won Olympic, World, and European titles all before her 18th birthday.
While she has stepped back from competition to focus on school, Zagitova remains a influential force in figure skating. Her signature “Lutz-loop” jump combo and fierce competitive mentality set her apart during her reign atop the podium.
As a new generation of skaters emerges, it will be fascinating to see how they are inspired and challenged by the legacies of champions like Hanyu, Kim, and Zagitova. Tracking their results and rivalries is all part of being an engaged figure skating fan.
Conclusion
With more ways to watch than ever before, it’s an exciting time to be a figure skating fan. By following the live streams, TV schedules, and digital content outlined in this guide, you’ll never miss a moment of the action.
From the nail-biting short programs to the show-stopping free skates, figure skating offers unmatched drama and athleticism throughout the season. So sit back, grab some hot cocoa, and enjoy the best that this mesmerizing sport has to offer!
