iluuisutamine

iluuisutamine is the Estonian word for figure skating. It is a sport in which individuals, duets, or groups perform spins, jumps, and other athletic movements on ice skates, often set to music. The sport can be divided into several disciplines, including ladies' singles, men's singles, pair skating, and ice dance.

In singles skating, competitors perform a short program and a free skate. The short program requires specific elements like jumps and spins, while the free skate allows for more creativity and a wider range of movements. Pair skating involves a man and a woman performing synchronized elements such as lifts, throws, and death spirals. Ice dance, while similar to pair skating, emphasizes intricate footwork and dance holds, with less focus on aerial jumps and powerful lifts.

Figure skating competitions are judged on two main components: technical merit and program components. Technical merit assesses the execution and difficulty of the elements performed, while program components evaluate aspects like skating skills, transitions, performance, choreography, and interpretation of the music. Deductions can be made for falls, errors, or time violations.

The sport has a long history, with its roots tracing back to ancient times when ice skates were used primarily for transportation. Modern figure skating began to develop in the 18th century, and the first official world championships were held in the late 19th century. It has been a part of the Winter Olympic Games since its inception in 1908.