The Art and Science of Talent in Figure Skating: An Integrated Approach

Authors

Keywords:

figure skating, talent development, early specialization, stress management, self perception, inclusion, evaluation system

Abstract

"The Art and Science of Talent in Figure Skating: An Integrated Approach" provides a critical review of the latest research on talent development in figure skating, analyzing 20 studies published after the 2022 Olympic Games. Beyond examining key factors such as performance prediction, early specialization, and stress management, the study focuses on actionable insights for athletes, coaches, and federations. It highlights how a more balanced approach to training and talent selection can extend athletic careers, reduce burnout risk, and enhance overall performance. Additionally, it delves into the role of judging systems, proposing strategies to refine scoring criteria and ensure fairer, more transparent competition. The findings offer concrete recommendations for implementing athlete development programs, psychological support systems, and sustainable sport policies—ultimately fostering a competitive environment that values both technical excellence and artistic expression.

Author Biography

Gladys Bounous, Libera professionista - B-Skilled

Psicologa Psicoterapeuta Cognitivo Comportamentale, Psicologa dello Sport, Presidente AIPS

References

Arajärvi, P., & Thesleff, P. (2020). Suorituskyvyn Psykologia. VK-Kustannus Oy.

Andrews, A. (2024). Unraveling the Impact of Stress on Performances, Training and the Overall Well-Being for Figure Skaters. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

Baker, J., Cobley, S., & Schorer, J. (2020). Talent Identification and Development in Sport: International Perspectives(2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003049111

Barth, M., Güllich, A., Macnamara, B. N., & Hambrick, D. Z. (2023). Quantifying the extent to which junior performance predicts senior performance in Olympic sports: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 54, 95–105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01906-0

Cattle, A., Mosher, A., Mazhar, A., & Baker, J. (2023). Early specialization and talent development in figure skating: Elite coaches’ perspectives. Current Issues in Sport Science, 8(1), Article 013. https://doi.org/10.36950/2023.1ciss013

Cattle, A. (2023). Early Sport Engagement in Elite Figure Skaters [Master’s thesis, York University].

Caple, J. (2010, February 17). Now this is Olympic entertainment. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/olympics/winter/2010/figureskating/columns/story?columnist=caple_jim&id=4920718

Chen, A. (2024). GOEs, PCS, and BMIs: Anorexia Nervosa and the Pressures of Figure Skating. University of California, Los Angeles.

Güllich, A., Barth, M., Macnamara, B. N., & Hambrick, D. Z. (2023). Quantifying the extent to which successful juniors and successful seniors are two disparate populations: A systematic review and synthesis of findings. Sports Medicine, 53, 1201–1217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01840-1

Güllich, A., Macnamara, B. N., & Hambrick, D. Z. (2022). What makes a champion? Early multidisciplinary practice, not early specialization, predicts world-class performance. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 17(1), 6–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691620974772

Haarala, S., Horttana, V., & Valto, R. (2011). Career Path of a Figure Skater. Finnish Figure Skating Association.

Hu, J., & Matsuoka, H. (2024). Art or Sport? Exploring Spectator Involvement in Figure Skating through Knowledge Dimensions. Rikkyo Business Review, 17, 13–25.

Ji, A. (2024). The influence of figure skating on the central nervous system, social wellbeing, and mental health. International Journal of High School Research, 6(1), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.36838/v6i1.2

Ji, Z. (2022). Gliding on the edge of the iron cage: Performing rationality and artistry in the sport of figure skating. American Journal of Cultural Sociology, 10(4), 657–675. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41290-022-00178-x

Junior, M. N., Lopes-Silva, J. P., Takito, M. Y., & Franchini, E. (2024). Cadet and junior performance is associated with senior’s World Championship and Olympics achievement in judo. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 95(1), 54–59. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2022.2147477

Kuznetsova, E. (2024). Psychological Skills Training Guide for Adolescent Figure Skaters. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

Lee, M. N. (2024). Does early performance predict later success in figure skaters? [Master’s thesis, University of Toronto].

Li, F. (2023). The role of self-perception in figure skating. Applied & Educational Psychology, 4(11).

O'Donnell, C. (1992, January 26). Figure skating: Art or sport? New York Times, 15.

Pomai. (2023). How to deal with “unfair” judging in figure skating. Sports Psychology Skating.

Rauer, T., Walter, N., & Reinschmidt, C. (2022). Biomechanical risk factors for injuries in figure skating: A retrospective study. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 21(4), 732–740.

Schnell, A., Godley, J., & Bridel, W. (2023). Attitudes towards LGBTQ+ inclusion in Canadian figure skating. The Open Sports Sciences Journal, 16, e1875399X2302010. https://doi.org/10.2174/1875399X-v16-e230308-2022-35

Sundgot-Borgen, J., Meyer, N. L., Lohman, T. G., Ackland, T. R., Maughan, R. J., Stewart, A. D., & Müller, W. (2013). How to minimise the health risks to athletes who compete in weight-sensitive sports: Review and position statement on behalf of the Ad Hoc Research Working Group on Body Composition, Health and Performance. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(16), 1012–1022. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-092966

Thomas, O., & Overbye, M. (2023). Developing self-regulation in figure skating: A qualitative study of elite young skaters’ experiences. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 40, 52–59.

Voelker, D. K., & Reel, J. J. (2015). An inductive thematic analysis of female competitive figure skaters’ experiences of weight pressure in sport. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 9(4), 297–316.

Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2019). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (7th ed.). Human Kinetics.

Wood, S., & Fletcher, D. (2024). Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for unhelpful thinking towards body image with an elite figure skater.

Yustres, I., Lago-Peñas, C., & Gómez, M. Á. (2021). The path to success in swimming. European Journal of Sport Science, 21(4), 553–562.

Published

2025-11-24

How to Cite

Bounous, G. (2025). The Art and Science of Talent in Figure Skating: An Integrated Approach. Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2(2). Retrieved from https://www.ledijournals.com/ojs/index.php/pse/article/view/2789