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SPINS AND PIROUETTES
During the 60's, France's Nicole Hassler performed spins that were so fast that those who saw her said that they could see her veins dilate. When England's John Curry perfectly executed back and forward camel spins during the 1976 Olympic Games
During the 60's, France's Nicole Hassler performed spins that were so fast that those who saw her said that they could see her veins dilate. When England's John Curry perfectly executed back and forward camel spins during the 1976 Olympic Games in Innsbruck, the audience was enthusiastic. During the same years, Canada's Toller Cranston invented the reversed back spin, one arm crossed with a hand over the heart, the other holding the knee at the same level as the head that looks toward the ceiling : the public was under the spell. The judges carried on as usual, counting the number of jumps. Denise Biellmann knew how to win titles. She had invented her famous spin, but she still had to win with her jumps. Closer to us, another Swiss national performed the most incredible spins ever seen in the sport. She was unbelievably fast and could hold the most unusual positions with perfect control. Lucinda Ruh's spins seemed like they would never stop. However, her jumps kept her from the podium. But today things have really changed : a warning for the jumper who only wants to jump. You have to be able to spin fast, in both directions if possible, and on all edges. It's absolutely necessary to make the podium. Add to that the inevitable « stretch » to the exercise. The public has loved great « spinners » for a long time. Figure Skating is the only sport in the world that includes such levels of rotation in its performance, and today, the ISU gives it the value that it deserves as a magnificent, athletic exercise.