By Alice Park, Time
Bet you didn’t know that figure skating could be a team sport, did you?
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada perform during an ice dance figure skating training session at Iceberg Skating Palace during the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games, February 5, 2014. Photo: How Hwee Young / EPA
Figure skating is already one of the marquee events of the Winter Games, and since four different disciplines of the sport apparently weren’t enough, the International Olympic Committee decided to add another—a team event. So for the first time ever, figure skaters this year in Sochi can earn more than one medal at the Games, a possibility not lost on those hungry for hardware.
The competition begins on Thursday, as the men and pairs do their best to add to their country’s totals. Here’s what you need to know, and what to watch for.
Which countries are competing?
Only 10 countries earned the right to compete at the event, based on how their skaters finished at the 2013 World Figure Skating Championships, the International Skating Union’s Grand Prix series this season, and other events. In order of rank, those countries are:
1. Canada
2. Russia
3. U.S.
4. Japan
5. Italy
6. France
7. China
8. Germany
9. Ukraine
10. Great Britain
How is the event scored?
Just like in the other skating events, each skater performs two routines—a short and a free program, for a total of eight scores per country. First place receives 10 points, second place nine points, and so on down the line.
Only the top five scoring teams will continue on to compete in the free skate.
Read the full article by Alice Park from Time.
