Any Same Sex Olympic Figure Skater Pairs?

[TickTockMan]

Or do they have to be male and female?

 

[Nealm1]

Interesting point!

 

[MakeItTonite]

Yes. According to the ISU (International Skating Union), figure skating pairs must be one male, one female.

Aside from that, just think about it. A man's max strength peaks at a higher level than a woman's, so two men would obviously have an unfair advantage in competing with and outperforming a mixed pair.

 

[NotHardUp1]

It's too heteronormative. There can be male/male, female/female, and mixed if they were to be fair. Then the overall could be judged with some balancing for power. I can't believe same sex and mixed couples both would not be able to be outstanding merely based on execution, not sheer power.

 

[TickTockMan]

Yes. According to the ISU (International Skating Union), figure skating pairs must be one male, one female.

Thanks

Aside from that, just think about it. A man's max strength peaks at a higher level than a woman's, so two men would obviously have an unfair advantage in competing with and outperforming a mixed pair.

It's too heteronormative. There can be male/male, female/female, and mixed if they were to be fair. Then the overall could be judged with some balancing for power. I can't believe same sex and mixed couples both would not be able to be outstanding merely based on execution, not sheer power.

Agreed. Seems like they may get more passion in the preformances if they let people pair up any way they may like.

 

[MakeItTonite]

It's too heteronormative. There can be male/male, female/female, and mixed if they were to be fair. Then the overall could be judged with some balancing for power. I can't believe same sex and mixed couples both would not be able to be outstanding merely based on execution, not sheer power.

But the execution of the more difficult elements stems from sheer power. Quad elements, for example, are difficult for women to perform successfully because they require the upper body strength that most women just don't possess. This is why quads are practically standard for the men but almost non-existent when it comes to the women.

Maybe the Gay Games will pioneer same-sex skating partners some day.

 

[mikey3000]

Um, I'm pretty sure there has been a male/male team. They even made a movie about it. Duh!!

 

[NotHardUp1]

But the execution of the more difficult elements stems from sheer power. Quad elements, for example, are difficult for women to perform successfully because they require the upper body strength that most women just don't possess. This is why quads are practically standard for the men but almost non-existent when it comes to the women.

Maybe the Gay Games will pioneer same-sex skating partners some day.

There is obviously some way to establish criteria that are not skewed to males. It's a matter of will. It is in our ultimate interest to see a redefinition of what pair skating looks like. A male-male pair can be many things, not merely romantic tableaus. There is the pantomime of conflict, or brotherhood, of heroism, of camaraderie, etc.

 

[TickTockMan]

Um, I'm pretty sure there has been a male/male team. They even made a movie about it. Duh!!

I love that movie and is why I ask.



By the way Jon Heder went to my high school.

 

[mikey3000]

Really? Dynamite!