Competition:

There are four Olympic Figure Skating events: ladies singles, men’s singles, pairs, and ice dancing.

The short program for both singles and pairs is 2 min and 40 sec. Men’s single free skate is 4 min and 30 sec, however, the free skate for woman is 4 min. Pairs free skate is 4 min and 30 sec.

The singles event consists of two sections, the short program and the free skating. The short program combines eight prescribed elements such as jump combinations and spins. In the free skating program, skaters perform an arrangement of jumps and spins to the music of their choice. A program that doesn’t have the right amount of spins and jumps or has too little, the judges will deduct points.

The pairs event also has a short program and a free skate. The couple demonstrates over-head lift and throw jumps with man launching its partner.

This performance requires harmony and grace. The pairs short program is one-third of the score, and the free skate is two-thirds.

Ice dancing is like ballroom dancing. The skater focus on the complex steps in time with the music, limiting lifts and jumps. Ice dancing for the pair’s compulsory moves is counted for 20% of the score. Selecting their own music and steps is 30% of the score. The free dance is 50% of the overall score.

The Rink

Sasha Cohen won her first U.S. title at the 2006 State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

"I made it to the end and stayed on my feet," Cohen said after getting off the ice. "It wasn't perfect, but it was good. After I started getting into it I started to enjoy it."

Kimme Meissner finished second at the 2006 U.S. Championships, her best placement at the event.

"It's just crazy," said Meissner "I've been dreaming about this for a very long time. It's just awesome."

Michelle Kwan submitted a petition in accordance with the 2006 U.S. Olympic Athlete Selection Procedures to request the nomination, as she was unable to compete at the event due to injury. But dropped out of the Olympics due to injury.

Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan dropped out, so Emily Hughes will go to the Olympics!