ICE, ICE, BABY! - ‘Not even an Olympic sport’ (synchronized skating) 

Different phases of that gold medal. Different disciplines, but on the same thin blades and cold ice… 

When asking people what the highest attainable goal in sport is, they most often will say “participating in the Olympic games!”. It seems logical, however, not for the synchronized skaters.  

Let me introduce you to this beautiful sport. You probably know figure solo skating and the pairs discipline. Synchronized skaters have a lot of things with these athletes in common. They use the same techniques, the same posture and the same strong muscles. The major difference is that synchronized skaters are skating performances with 16 skaters (both male and female) at the same time, on music. And as the name itself says, all steps are executed synchronized. The magical chemistry the skaters bring together while performing is indescribable. Thereby there are a lot of tricks that are not possible as a single skater or pair. You can think of lifts and intersections. Synchronized skating is known for its high entertainment level since there is happening a lot at the same time and all skaters are really performing with emotions and cool choreography. The competitions are real events with a big, full crowd. 

How it all started 

Synchronized Skating was formed in 1956 by Dr. Richard Porter. Before that, in 1954 a preliminary stage from Synchro was discovered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the USA as precision skating. Synchro was mentioned in an even earlier stage. In 1838, the Oxford Skating Society in England called what we now know as synchro, combined figure skating. With some other names before Synchro Skating, its origin can be traced back to several places. 

Fun competitions to watch 

Maybe you got curious about this sport and would like to see it in real life. 

The first option I recommend watching is Lumiére Cup, which is held in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Eindhoven is the city of light and that’s why the competition is called Lumiére Cup. This will be the perfect competition when you want to visit a competition in the Netherlands but with international teams. For an ‘all-event’ ticket you will pay 30 euros. This competition is mostly early in the season which is around December. 

A big competition within Europe is French Cup, which is held in Rouen, France. The overall atmosphere is amazing. Synchro is a cheer sport and at French Cup, this can be experienced perfectly since this one is also a qualification moment for the Worlds. Mostly this competition is at the end of February. Tickets are more expensive than the Lumiére Cup but keep an eye on the website for exact prices. 

An even more exciting moment for synchronized skaters will definitely be the World Championships. Tickets are mostly between 50 and 100 euros. Last April it was in Hamilton, Canada and the next one will be held in Lake Placid, New York, USA. The tension for all skaters, coaches and fans is high and can be felt at the ice rink. This competition is organized by the ISU (International Skating Union) which makes it more professional and well organized. This sport means the world to a lot of the skaters. Even the smallest mistakes can cost you a medal. Fans from all countries, Flash mobs during the ice surfacing break and of course amazing performances will guarantee an unforgettable experience. 

When you don’t want to spend money and you are looking for more accessible options in the Netherlands. Then take a look at the socials from senior teams from the Netherlands, Team Illumination and Team Ice United. Instagram and Facebook are commonly used platforms for Synchro teams to announce Kick-Off events for example. This is an event where the Team shows friends and family the new programs for the first time at the beginning of the season. Another option is watching LiveStreams. Some LiveStreams are free and some cost 15 euros. 

The future 

Most people involved with this sport are striving for the Olympic Goal of synchronized skating. The community OneTeamMovement is creating a community where expertise is shared to lift the sport to a higher level. They also create awareness for Synchro and the fact it is not an Olympic sport yet. After season 2020-2021 there was a big surprise announced. Philippe Maitrot, Chair of the Technical Committee for Synchronized Skating at the International Skating Union, announced on January 19, the creation of a new category. The new category is called Elite 12. 12 Chosen skaters within the Juniors and Seniors are now increasing the chances for Synchro becoming an Olympic sport in the coming years. The idea behind it is that team sports are harder to accept by the Olympic Committee. By lowering the skaters from 16 to 12 the chance will grow. Season 2021-2022 was the first season the Elite 12 category took place. The category is still new and its uncertain which direction it will go. But the start is there, and the ISU is enthusiastic about next season's inclusion for the Elite 12 teams. 

Who knows? Maybe at the next Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy Synchronized Skating will be included… 

10 X Synchronized Skating fun-facts 

1. Almost all senior teams are taking dance/ ballet classes to improve their lines. 

2. More than half of Team Netherlands 1 skaters have a background in single skating. 

3. A lot of Synchronized Skaters are collecting pins from all over the world on their backpacks. 

4. A baby hairbrush in combination with the Got2B Glued Hairspray from Schwarzkopf works the best to perfectly smoothen skaters' hair and get rid of little loose hairs. 

5. Synchronized Skating is a gender-neutral sport. 

6. There is a non-profit organization that thrives for synchro to become an Olympic sport. 

7. All teams have besides their category and nation their own team's name.  

8. Les Supremes from Canada is the current World Champion. 

9. The two Dutch teams are both based in Brabant! 

10. The program themes and music are more modern and moving! 

I really hope Synchronized Skating has catch your attention! It is an amazing sport and so worthy to watch or even try. For trying the sport in the Netherlands, I would recommend starting by contacting one of the Synchro Clubs (Kids on Ice - Eindhoven or Bossche Kunstrij Vereneging - ‘s-Hertogenbosch), they will tell you to start developing your personal skills before you can start in a team.  

In my opinion, a lot more people should know about this sport. Give the sport the attention it deserves and maybe it will become an Olympic Sport in some years!