# Chapter 9: Fans & Culture

Figure Skating · Chapter 9: Fans & Culture · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/figure-skating/interesting-facts/chapter-9-fans-culture/)

Skating in culture: the kiss and cry, gifts on the ice, Olympic crowds, Hanyu's and Yuna Kim's fame, skating words in the dictionary, fashion, stamps and coins, national honours, and skaters as brands.

## 9.91 Kiss and Cry

Where the name of the corner where skaters wait for their marks comes from, and what it became.

### Test 1: Kiss and Cry

- She was on the organising committee of the event where the name first came up. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))
- Before the competition, she reportedly called it 'the kiss and cry corner'. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))
- They were learning their way around the arena before the competition. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))
- It is now an official part of the ISU Regulations. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))
- It had become ice sculptures and crazy sets, a big design element of the coverage. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))
- Skaters and coaches wore them; NBC says they were simply for security. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))
- The name stands for the kisses after a great skate and the tears after a poor one. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))
- 1983, the early 1990s, 2010 and 2022. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))
- Skaters sit nervously, holding hands and staring at the monitor. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))
- B is a seating area with a monitor at a corner of the rink, off the ice. (Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022))

## 9.92 Gifts on the Ice

Why fans switched from flowers to plush toys, and who picks them up.

### Test 1: Gifts on the ice

- Fans could still bring their own bouquets, so many bought gifts at the arena instead. (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego))
- In those days skaters often collected them from fans by hand. (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego))
- It took two or three minutes per skater, which made events run too long. (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego))
- Officials worried about anthrax being used against high-profile figures. (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego))
- 'Flowers were going to be eliminated. It was just a question of when.' (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego))
- Plush toys are easier for them to scoop up quickly than petals and leaves. (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego))
- In Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana; he planned to do the same wherever he competes. (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego))
- The meet-and-greet took too long, thrown flowers broke apart, and the bans pushed fans to toys. (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego))
- 1989, 2001, 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, where his fans showed their affection for the A. A. Milne bear. (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego); Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics, Singles, Men)
- C is 2014; A is the 1989 sale ban, B the 2001 ban and D Hanyu's Pooh rain of 2018. (Source: Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego); Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics, Singles, Men)

## 9.93 Crowds at the Olympics

Oranges, boos, frenzies and home favourites: Olympic skating crowds as Olympedia records them.

### Test 1: Olympic crowds

- They were dissatisfied with the judges after the skate of the young Kilius and Ningel. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956 Winter Olympics, Pairs, Mixed)
- Schwartz and Oppelt went on to win by the narrowest margin. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956 Winter Olympics, Pairs, Mixed)
- She was seventh in it, the worst free skate by an Olympic gold medallist. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1972 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women)
- The Hungarians lost the gold on the tie-breaker of total ordinals. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1980 Winter Olympics, Ice Dance, Mixed)
- The media frenzy was probably not seen before at any Olympic Games. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1994 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women)
- In places as far apart as New York and Prague. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Sonja Henie)
- They fell twice in the original dance. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2006 Winter Olympics, Ice Dance, Mixed)
- 1956, 1972, 1980 and the 2014 team event. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956, 1972, 1980 and 2014 Winter Olympics)
- Marika Kilius was only 12. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956 Winter Olympics, Pairs, Mixed)
- A is 1956; B is Sapporo 1972, C Lake Placid 1980 and D Sochi 2014. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956, 1972, 1980 and 2014 Winter Olympics)

## 9.94 Hanyu and His Fans

Winnie-the-Pooh on the ice and a sold-out Tokyo Dome: Yuzuru Hanyu's following.

### Test 1: Hanyu's fans

- They rained down after his short programme at PyeongChang 2018. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics, Singles, Men)
- It is home to the Yomiuri Giants baseball team. (Source: Olympics.com, Hanyu Yuzuru 'Gift'-wraps sold-out Tokyo Dome with performances for the ages (26 February 2023))
- About 30,000 more watched live in cinemas in Japan and abroad. (Source: Olympics.com, Hanyu Yuzuru 'Gift'-wraps sold-out Tokyo Dome with performances for the ages (26 February 2023))
- Hanyu skated to tunes he had chosen over his career, including SEIMEI. (Source: Olympics.com, Hanyu Yuzuru 'Gift'-wraps sold-out Tokyo Dome with performances for the ages (26 February 2023))
- The giant screen was bigger than the one the Giants usually use. (Source: Olympics.com, Hanyu Yuzuru 'Gift'-wraps sold-out Tokyo Dome with performances for the ages (26 February 2023))
- The show still sold out completely. (Source: Olympics.com, Hanyu Yuzuru 'Gift'-wraps sold-out Tokyo Dome with performances for the ages (26 February 2023))
- USA Today's Maggie Hendricks: 'In Japan, he is a rock star.' (Source: NPR, Figure Skaters Can Use Music With Lyrics For First Time In 2018 Olympics (8 January 2018))
- November-December 2022, 26 February 2023 and 10-12 March 2023. (Source: Olympics.com, Hanyu Yuzuru 'Gift'-wraps sold-out Tokyo Dome with performances for the ages (26 February 2023))
- The show ran for around three hours counting the encore. (Source: Olympics.com, Hanyu Yuzuru 'Gift'-wraps sold-out Tokyo Dome with performances for the ages (26 February 2023))
- B is 35,000; A is the 30,000 watching in cinemas. (Source: Olympics.com, Hanyu Yuzuru 'Gift'-wraps sold-out Tokyo Dome with performances for the ages (26 February 2023))

## 9.95 Yuna Kim, a Nation's Star

The skater whose popularity in South Korea was likened to Elvis and Jordan, and who lit the PyeongChang cauldron.

### Test 1: Yuna Kim's fame

- At 10:10 p.m. in the 35,000-capacity Olympic Stadium. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))
- She skated on a tiny sheet of ice before lighting it. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))
- She was also the youngest solo lighter since 1994. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))
- The bid needed native athlete star power after two defeats. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))
- Based on professionalism, popularity, income and influence; she travelled with two bodyguards. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))
- The bid strategist said she represented 'the new Korea'. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))
- Sochi then beat it by four votes for 2014. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))
- 2009, 2010, spring 2011 and February 2018. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))
- For 2010, 2014 and 2018. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))
- D is 2018; A is her world title of 2009, B her Olympic gold of 2010 and C the start of her break in 2011. (Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018))

## 9.96 Skating Words in the Dictionary

When skating words first appear in English, as Merriam-Webster dates them.

### Test 1: Skating words

- Its definition still mentions the tracing of prescribed figures, 'formerly'. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: figure skating)
- Merriam-Webster likens its routines to ballroom dances. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: ice dancing)
- Named for the Swedish skater Ulrich Salchow. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: salchow, axel, lutz, toe loop)
- 'Circa 1964', far later than the Axel and the Salchow. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: toe loop)
- From schaats, Middle Dutch schaetse, a stilt. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: skate)
- Middle English (Scots) rinc; Merriam-Webster dates 'rink' to 1787. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: rink)
- It calls the camel spin an arabesque spin. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: camel spin)
- 1921, 1930, 1938 and about 1964. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: salchow, axel, lutz, toe loop)
- 1787, 1834, 1878 and about 1975. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: rink, figure skating, ice dancing, twizzle)
- B is 1878; A is 'figure skating' in 1834, C 'axel' in 1930 and D 'toe loop' about 1964. (Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: figure skating, ice dancing, axel, toe loop)

## 9.97 Skating and Fashion

Hairstyles, costumes and looks that people remembered.

### Test 1: Skating and fashion

- Olympedia says it was named 'the Hamill Do'. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1976 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women)
- It started a trend among a generation of American women. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Dorothy Hamill)
- From The Three Musketeers; he was the crowd favourite and took bronze. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1998 Winter Olympics, Singles, Men)
- Her father moved the family twice to find better training. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Peggy Fleming)
- Their original dance costumes, based on Australian Aboriginal dress, did not endear them to the crowd. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Ice Dance, Mixed)
- Fans expect such costumes at a gala, NBC noted. (Source: NBC Los Angeles, This Olympics event doesn't give out medals. Instead, it's a celebration (20 February 2026))
- 'I just have a certain fashion sense and kind of stubborn with it,' she said. (Source: Associated Press, Alysa Liu, Ilia Malinin and U.S. figure skaters shine in Olympic exhibition gala (21 February 2026))
- 1976, 1998, 2010 and 2024. (Source: Olympedia, 1976, 1998 and 2010; NBC Los Angeles (2026))
- Nagano 1998, PyeongChang 2018 and Milano Cortina 2026, where Glenn skated to Like a Prayer. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1998 (men) and 2018 (ice dance) Winter Olympics; Associated Press, Olympic exhibition gala (21 February 2026))
- B is 1998; A is the Hamill Do of 1976, C the 2010 costumes and D Shaidorov's panda of 2024. (Source: Olympedia, 1976, 1998 and 2010; NBC Los Angeles (2026))

## 9.98 On Stamps and Coins

Barbara Ann Scott on a Canadian stamp, and a figure skating quarter for Vancouver 2010.

### Test 1: Stamps and coins

- The first Canadian woman to win Olympic singles gold, at St. Moritz 1948. (Source: Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014))
- With Sandra Schmirler and Sarah Burke. (Source: Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014))
- She died in September 2012. (Source: Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014))
- Her birthplace, in 1928. (Source: Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014))
- The ninth of 17 circulation coins for Vancouver 2010. (Source: Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Canadian Mint Launches 25-Cent Figure Skating Coin (18 November 2008, via CoinNews))
- Available at RBC branches and Petro-Canada outlets, and in everyday change. (Source: Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Canadian Mint Launches 25-Cent Figure Skating Coin (18 November 2008, via CoinNews))
- Designed by Glenn Green of Vancouver, with the words 'Vancouver 2010'. (Source: Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Canadian Mint Launches 25-Cent Figure Skating Coin (18 November 2008, via CoinNews))
- November 2008, February 2010, September 2012 and February 2014. (Source: Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Canadian Mint Launches 25-Cent Figure Skating Coin (18 November 2008, via CoinNews); Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014))
- November 2008, January 2009, March 2009 and June 2009. (Source: Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Canadian Mint Launches 25-Cent Figure Skating Coin (18 November 2008, via CoinNews))
- It was the ninth; A is the 17 coins in all, C the 22 million minted and D the $7.95 sport card. (Source: Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Canadian Mint Launches 25-Cent Figure Skating Coin (18 November 2008, via CoinNews))

## 9.99 Honours Beyond the Rink

National awards, halls of fame and rooms named in skaters' honour.

### Test 1: Honours

- They were the year's world champions. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Jamie Salé)
- That year he won the world title and Olympic silver. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Elvis Stojko)
- After retaining his Olympic title. (Source: Nippon.com, Hanyū Yuzuru: A Competition Record (6 January 2021))
- Japan's Medal of Honour (Purple Ribbon). (Source: Nippon.com, Hanyū Yuzuru: A Competition Record (6 January 2021))
- The year he became world champion. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Ilia Malinin)
- The club also hosts the Dick Button Artistic Figure Skating Showcase. (Source: Associated Press, Dick Button, Olympic great and voice of skating, dies at 95 (30 January 2025))
- She was also named to Canada's Walk of Fame. (Source: Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014))
- 1994, 2001, 2018 and 2024. (Source: Olympics.com, Stojko, Salé, Malinin; Nippon.com, Hanyu)
- 2001, 2001, 2008 and 2009. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Jamie Salé)
- C is 2018; A is Stojko's award of 1994, B Salé and Pelletier's of 2001 and D Malinin's of 2024. (Source: Nippon.com, Hanyū Yuzuru: A Competition Record (6 January 2021); Olympics.com, Stojko, Salé, Malinin)

## 9.100 Skaters as Stars and Brands

Dolls, endorsements, clothing lines and nicknames: skaters beyond the sport.

### Test 1: Stars and brands

- She had many, because of her popularity. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Michelle Kwan)
- Apparel and accessories, alongside her ice shows. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Oksana Baiul)
- Hamill herself wished her luck before her 1992 free skate. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Kristi Yamaguchi)
- The gymnast and the skater shared the honour. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Dorothy Hamill)
- She was the first East German athlete allowed to skate professionally. (Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women)
- He is the only skater to land the quad Axel in competition. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Ilia Malinin)
- The Icelandic-Chinese singer is one of Liu's favourite artists. (Source: Associated Press, Minions music leads to nightmare for Olympic skater while spotlighting a problem (3 February 2026))
- 1976, 1984, 1992 and 1994. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biographies: Hamill, Witt, Yamaguchi, Baiul)
- 2022, September 2022 and 2024. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Ilia Malinin)
- D is 1994; A is Hamill's 1976, B Witt's 1984 and C Yamaguchi's 1992. (Source: Olympics.com, athlete biographies: Hamill, Witt, Yamaguchi, Baiul)

Sources: NBC and Scripps News explainers, Olympedia event narratives, Olympics.com athlete biographies and news, NBC Sports, NPR, the Associated Press, Merriam-Webster, Canada Post, the Royal Canadian Mint and Nippon.com. Every fact is recorded with its source in docs/FIGURE_SKATING_VERIFIED_FACTS.md.

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