"Why Don’t You Lose 5 Pounds?" - Nancy Kerrigan documentary

[mag]

because it is easier to rotate in the air, therefore the jumping is easier - that’s true,

No, it is not always true. You need to get up in the air and then you need to snap into the rotation quickly, that comes from they way the blade is used and core and leg muscles. So yes, if you lack blade control and muscles, then being extremely thin probably helps compensate somewhat. But adding weight in the way of well toned muscle will also allow you to achieve the same, and in fact better jumps. Working on edge control will also help. Strong edges, strong core, and a tight body, not crazy skinny, but tight is the combination. If fact, gaining 5 lbs of muscle might be actually what is needed! This is why men are generally better jumpers. Lower body fat with no boobs flapping in the breeze . Women can achieve this through proper off ice training in a gym, in a Pilates studio, and eating a well balanced diet (all of that helps men too!)

So instead of saying that being thin or skinny helps jumping, we should be saying that having a well toned body with low body fat and strong core (not the 6 pack, the inner core!) and good skating skills is what can make for a successful jumper. Encouraging skaters “to lose 5 lbs” can actually hinder their jumping ability and most certainly will hinder their future jumping ability if the weight loss is encouraged before they are fully grown.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I could tolerate one and only this Princess, and not a single other one....
https://themotionpictures.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/rh5.gif
https://78.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkydzhBnPC1qd8bxp.gif

 

[Japanfan]

So instead of saying that being thin or skinny helps jumping, we should be saying that having a well toned body with low body fat and strong core (not the 6 pack, the inner core!) and good skating skills is what can make for a successful jumper.

This. Your post immediately brings Gabbie Daleman and Tonya Harding to mind.

I so appreciate athletic female skaters and wish there were more of them.

Encouraging skaters “to lose 5 lbs” can actually hinder their jumping ability and most certainly will hinder their future jumping ability if the weight loss is encouraged before they are fully grown.

I've often wondered why women don't attempt the 3A more often, especially given that it would give them a clear competitive advantage. I've thought that being thinner to satisfy the aesthetic ideal of female figure skating might mean ladies have less strength and power to do the 3A (or quad).

Of course, Mao Asada would be the exception to that - tiny and thin, and able to execute the 3A.