Figure skating is frequently one of the few star events at the Winter Olympics; it is the perfect blend of athleticism and grace that captivates audiences with tricks that other dancing sports simply can’t do. That said, amongst that beauty lies an industry that is just as corrupt and toxic as any other major sporting event.
Often, figure skating can hide behind the glitz and glamour of the profession, similar to other dance sports like ballet, gymnastics, and cheerleading. Figure skating is no stranger to controversial moments, but it is usually only the most volatile ones that manage to make it to mainstream news.
So in the age of social media, where athletes of all types have an easier time connecting with peers and others outside of the community, more and more people have become aware of what really goes on in the professional skating world.
Systematic physical and sexual abuse has run rampant within the figure skating community for decades, from coaches, organizations, and elite talent within the community. Similar to other professional dancing communities, the obsession with perfection in routines, youth, and appearance has led to young athletes ignoring injuries, developing eating disorders, and feeling immense pressure to conform to rules that only hurt them.
For decades, harsh treatment was seen as necessary to make athletes perform at their best, but time and time again its been proven that it’s been detrimental to athletes’ mental and physical health. Fear and the sanctity of tradition have kept many athletes from speaking up, but the added pressure of social media and toxic fans that uphold these dangerous standards of work ethic and beauty adds an added stress to keep people from speaking out.
However, times are changing, and the relationship between players, their coaches, and training regimens is changing with it. Simone Biles and others within the global gymnastics community led the charge to enact change within that industry, and figure skating can do the same.
