kwanatic
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 2,759
Why is the US so good in ladies gymnastics then? The government doesn't fund them either and i'm sure it cost a lot to be a top gymnast but their seems to never be a lack of talented girls ready to take over from the last World champion.
I would think it has a lot to do with gymnastics being more popular and more accessible than figure skating. I don't have the exact numbers but I'd wager it's less expensive to do gymnastics. More importantly, kids can do gymnastics in school--I know both my middle and high school had gymnastics teams--and those who are talented can get full rides to great universities. That makes it worth the investment as they can pursue their passion and earn a degree.
Skaters can't get a full scholarship to a university based on figure skating AFAIK. It's a sport that drains a ton of money but has very little to no real reward for the overwhelming majority. As much as I love figure skating if I had a child I'd steer them towards dance or gymnastics and a number of other things.
Unfortunately, in the long haul figure skating just isn't worth it.