Figure Skating · Interesting Facts
Chapter 9: Fans & Culture
10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 20 October 2026 · markdown
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.
9.91Kiss and Cry
Where the name of the corner where skaters wait for their marks comes from, and what it became.
Test 1Kiss and CryTake a test
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
1983, the early 1990s, 2010 and 2022.
Source: NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022) · recall
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) · recall
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) · applied
9.92Gifts on the Ice
Why fans switched from flowers to plush toys, and who picks them up.
Test 1Gifts on the iceTake a test
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
'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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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 · recall
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 · applied
9.93Crowds at the Olympics
Oranges, boos, frenzies and home favourites: Olympic skating crowds as Olympedia records them.
Test 1Olympic crowdsTake a test
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 · recall
Schwartz and Oppelt went on to win by the narrowest margin.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956 Winter Olympics, Pairs, Mixed · recall
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 · recall
The Hungarians lost the gold on the tie-breaker of total ordinals.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1980 Winter Olympics, Ice Dance, Mixed · recall
The media frenzy was probably not seen before at any Olympic Games.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1994 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women · recall
In places as far apart as New York and Prague.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Sonja Henie · recall
They fell twice in the original dance.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2006 Winter Olympics, Ice Dance, Mixed · recall
1956, 1972, 1980 and the 2014 team event.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956, 1972, 1980 and 2014 Winter Olympics · recall
Marika Kilius was only 12.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956 Winter Olympics, Pairs, Mixed · recall
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 · applied
9.94Hanyu and His Fans
Winnie-the-Pooh on the ice and a sold-out Tokyo Dome: Yuzuru Hanyu's following.
Test 1Hanyu's fansTake a test
They rained down after his short programme at PyeongChang 2018.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics, Singles, Men · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · applied
9.95Yuna 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 1Yuna Kim's fameTake a test
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
2009, 2010, spring 2011 and February 2018.
Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018) · recall
For 2010, 2014 and 2018.
Source: NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018) · recall
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) · applied
9.96Skating Words in the Dictionary
When skating words first appear in English, as Merriam-Webster dates them.
Test 1Skating wordsTake a test
Its definition still mentions the tracing of prescribed figures, 'formerly'.
Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: figure skating · recall
Merriam-Webster likens its routines to ballroom dances.
Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: ice dancing · recall
Named for the Swedish skater Ulrich Salchow.
Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: salchow, axel, lutz, toe loop · recall
'Circa 1964', far later than the Axel and the Salchow.
Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: toe loop · recall
From schaats, Middle Dutch schaetse, a stilt.
Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: skate · recall
Middle English (Scots) rinc; Merriam-Webster dates 'rink' to 1787.
Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: rink · recall
It calls the camel spin an arabesque spin.
Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: camel spin · recall
1921, 1930, 1938 and about 1964.
Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: salchow, axel, lutz, toe loop · recall
1787, 1834, 1878 and about 1975.
Source: Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: rink, figure skating, ice dancing, twizzle · recall
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 · applied
9.97Skating and Fashion
Hairstyles, costumes and looks that people remembered.
Test 1Skating and fashionTake a test
Olympedia says it was named 'the Hamill Do'.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1976 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women · recall
It started a trend among a generation of American women.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Dorothy Hamill · recall
From The Three Musketeers; he was the crowd favourite and took bronze.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1998 Winter Olympics, Singles, Men · recall
Her father moved the family twice to find better training.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Peggy Fleming · recall
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 · recall
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) · recall
'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) · recall
1976, 1998, 2010 and 2024.
Source: Olympedia, 1976, 1998 and 2010; NBC Los Angeles (2026) · recall
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) · recall
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) · applied
9.98On Stamps and Coins
Barbara Ann Scott on a Canadian stamp, and a figure skating quarter for Vancouver 2010.
Test 1Stamps and coinsTake a test
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) · recall
With Sandra Schmirler and Sarah Burke.
Source: Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014) · recall
She died in September 2012.
Source: Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014) · recall
Her birthplace, in 1928.
Source: Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
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) · applied
9.99Honours Beyond the Rink
National awards, halls of fame and rooms named in skaters' honour.
Test 1HonoursTake a test
They were the year's world champions.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Jamie Salé · recall
That year he won the world title and Olympic silver.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Elvis Stojko · recall
After retaining his Olympic title.
Source: Nippon.com, Hanyū Yuzuru: A Competition Record (6 January 2021) · recall
Japan's Medal of Honour (Purple Ribbon).
Source: Nippon.com, Hanyū Yuzuru: A Competition Record (6 January 2021) · recall
The year he became world champion.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Ilia Malinin · recall
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) · recall
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) · recall
1994, 2001, 2018 and 2024.
Source: Olympics.com, Stojko, Salé, Malinin; Nippon.com, Hanyu · recall
2001, 2001, 2008 and 2009.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Jamie Salé · recall
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 · applied
9.100Skaters as Stars and Brands
Dolls, endorsements, clothing lines and nicknames: skaters beyond the sport.
Test 1Stars and brandsTake a test
She had many, because of her popularity.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Michelle Kwan · recall
Apparel and accessories, alongside her ice shows.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Oksana Baiul · recall
Hamill herself wished her luck before her 1992 free skate.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Kristi Yamaguchi · recall
The gymnast and the skater shared the honour.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Dorothy Hamill · recall
She was the first East German athlete allowed to skate professionally.
Source: Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women · recall
He is the only skater to land the quad Axel in competition.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Ilia Malinin · recall
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) · recall
1976, 1984, 1992 and 1994.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biographies: Hamill, Witt, Yamaguchi, Baiul · recall
2022, September 2022 and 2024.
Source: Olympics.com, athlete biography: Ilia Malinin · recall
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 · applied
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.
- NBC Connecticut, A Winter Olympics Explainer on the Figure Skating Kiss and Cry (4 February 2022)10
- NBC Sports, Yuna Kim lives a dream with lighting of Olympic cauldron (9 February 2018)10
- Scripps News, Why Do People Throw Stuffed Animals At Figure Skaters? It's Complicated (via 10News San Diego)8
- Olympics.com, Hanyu Yuzuru 'Gift'-wraps sold-out Tokyo Dome with performances for the ages (26 February 2023)8
- Canada Post, Canada Post honours pioneers of winter sports with new stamp set (3 February 2014)5
- Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Canadian Mint Launches 25-Cent Figure Skating Coin (18 November 2008, via CoinNews)5
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956 Winter Olympics, Pairs, Mixed3
- Olympics.com, athlete biography: Ilia Malinin3
- 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, Men2
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1956, 1972, 1980 and 2014 Winter Olympics2
- Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: salchow, axel, lutz, toe loop2
- Olympics.com, athlete biography: Dorothy Hamill2
- Olympedia, 1976, 1998 and 2010; NBC Los Angeles (2026)2
- Olympics.com, athlete biography: Jamie Salé2
- Nippon.com, Hanyū Yuzuru: A Competition Record (6 January 2021)2
- Olympics.com, athlete biographies: Hamill, Witt, Yamaguchi, Baiul2
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1972 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women1
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1980 Winter Olympics, Ice Dance, Mixed1
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1994 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women1
- Olympics.com, athlete biography: Sonja Henie1
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2006 Winter Olympics, Ice Dance, Mixed1
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics, Singles, Men1
- NPR, Figure Skaters Can Use Music With Lyrics For First Time In 2018 Olympics (8 January 2018)1
- Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: figure skating1
- Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: ice dancing1
- Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: toe loop1
- Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: skate1
- Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: rink1
- Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: camel spin1
- Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: rink, figure skating, ice dancing, twizzle1
- Merriam-Webster, dictionary entries: figure skating, ice dancing, axel, toe loop1
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1976 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women1
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1998 Winter Olympics, Singles, Men1
- Olympics.com, athlete biography: Peggy Fleming1
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Ice Dance, Mixed1
- NBC Los Angeles, This Olympics event doesn't give out medals. Instead, it's a celebration (20 February 2026)1
- Associated Press, Alysa Liu, Ilia Malinin and U.S. figure skaters shine in Olympic exhibition gala (21 February 2026)1
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1998 (men) and 2018 (ice dance) Winter Olympics; Associated Press, Olympic exhibition gala (21 February 2026)1
- 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)1
- Olympics.com, athlete biography: Elvis Stojko1
- Associated Press, Dick Button, Olympic great and voice of skating, dies at 95 (30 January 2025)1
- Olympics.com, Stojko, Salé, Malinin; Nippon.com, Hanyu1
- Nippon.com, Hanyū Yuzuru: A Competition Record (6 January 2021); Olympics.com, Stojko, Salé, Malinin1
- Olympics.com, athlete biography: Michelle Kwan1
- Olympics.com, athlete biography: Oksana Baiul1
- Olympics.com, athlete biography: Kristi Yamaguchi1
- Olympedia, Figure Skating at the 1984 Winter Olympics, Singles, Women1
- Associated Press, Minions music leads to nightmare for Olympic skater while spotlighting a problem (3 February 2026)1