Opinion of *New* Team Event in Sochi?

[Jenna]

Do you like or dislike the idea of a figure skating team event at the Olympics, beginning in 2014 with Sochi?

[MikiAndoFan#1]

I don't like the idea.

[smarts1]

Why not? Other sports have 3020202 other events that the same athletes compete in, so why not figure skating?

[JerseySlore]

Because figure skating is a unique snowflake unlike other sports

[kia_4EverOnIce]

dislike
One one side, it's good for audience and having more figure skating, but on the other side figure skating is an individualistic sport...

but..wait..will we have new rivalries&drama for being the chosen ones in the team?

[MikiAndoFan#1]

Because figure skating is a unique snowflake unlike other sports

[Skittl1321]

I want to know more details about the event before I decide if I like it or not.

[BaileyCatts]

I would only slightly like it as long as it came AFTER all the individual events were over and medals are awarded. THEN have a team event occur.

[Mafke]

I'd rather the format be changed to allow for more medals to be awarded.

What about separating out the SP and LP as different events (maybe with a qualifying and final round for each).

What about solo dance (very big in roller skating now, no reason it couldn't ge t a following on ice too)

The team event just seems a way to try to cram the same programs from the same skaters down the public's throat again.

[aliceanne]

I like it. Time for something new. I'd rather see jump, spin, and moves events in the team competition instead of programs though.

I don't think many countries have a full complement of singles M/F, pairs, and dance teams so it will probably be limited to U.S., Canada, Russia, and Japan.

Also how many times do you want to see the same programs in one event? I know gymnasts do it, but their routines are not 4.5 minutes! If it includes more skaters that would be good.

[JamieSix]

Disadvantage to countries with only one to two top skaters.

[julieann]

I would actually like to see a few more WTT under the ISU's belt to work out the kinks. Not in 2014 but maybe 2018 or 2022; but in the future for sure.

[PUNKPRINCESS]

I like it because it's more figure skating...

[CynicElle]

I want to know more details about the event before I decide if I like it or not.

Agreed, though I'm leaning towards like.

[GarrAarghHrumph]

I need to know the details, but I'm thinking I like the idea. Skating, like gymnastics used to be, is a very individual sport. It's cool for the athletes to be a part of an actual team.

But as I said, I do need more details on this to really be able to speak about it; but for right now, I'm liking the basic idea.

[Jayar]

I would actually like to see a few more WTT under the ISU's belt to work out the kinks. Not in 2014 but maybe 2018 or 2022; but in the future for sure.

What kinks? Skaters skate, they earn a score, points are distributed based on score, and medals are awarded. How is that 'kinky'?

And for those who are looking at it as 'leaving out' countries who have small skating populations... look at it as an opportunity to grow teams from all over the world.

Right now, the following teams have enough skaters to have the event:
AUT
BLR
CZE
EST
FRA
GER
ITA
RUS
CAN
CHN
JPN
USA

That's 12 teams. That's quite a start, I think. I bet a pairs and dance teams will start popping up all over.

[ks777]

I don't like the idea. Instead I would love to see Syncronized skating.

[julieann]

What kinks? Skaters skate, they earn a score, points are distributed based on score, and medals are awarded. How is that 'kinky'?

And for those who are looking at it as 'leaving out' countries who have small skating populations... look at it as an opportunity to grow teams from all over the world.

Right now, the following teams have enough skaters to have the event:
AUT
BLR
CZE
EST
FRA
GER
ITA
RUS
CAN
CHN
JPN
USA

That's 12 teams. That's quite a start, I think. I bet a pairs and dance teams will start popping up all over.

I just don't think one WTT is enough to make it an Olympic sport in 2014 especially since this years was canceled. There are a lot of things to work out esp within the competition and within the countries themselves, not just with who can compete. Has the ISU or the IOC release exactly how it will work in detail?

I do think it will help get more skaters interested in pairs and ice dancing. Japan doesn't have any eligible pairs and ice dancers that I can think of. Most don't/can't/won't have citizenship.

[blue_idealist]

I'm for it as long as it doesn't take too much energy away from the singles/pairs/dance events. It should be held after they're over.

[RumbleFish]

It will be far more interesting to have figure skaters team up and play hockey. I want to see some nasty body checking and feathers flying off their costumes all over the place.