2003 U.S. Men's Bronze Medalist and U.S. Figure Skating World Team Member, Ryan Jahnke, is now coaching young figure skaters. He teaches a weekly, "Train Your Brain" class to his young students. They studied top skaters in Novice, Junior, and Senior events at the 2008 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships. As a group, they came up with a list of qualities that almost all national competitors have in common.
1. Great body line
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2. Flow in, out, and between elements
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3. Outstanding landing positions with high free leg
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4. Above average spin positions, speed, and centering
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5. Speed throughout program
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6. Big sharp movements
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7. Physical and facial expressions
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8. Pushing hard
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9. High jumps
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10. Fast footwork
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Join the Discussion - What Makes a Champion Figure Skater?
Ryan Jahnke's "Train Your Brain" figure skating students came up with a list of qualities that almost all national figure skating competitors have in common. What other qualities can be added to their list?
