Ice skating is one of the most unique sports, where strength, technique and art come together in one. Behind the brilliance on the rink lies a reality of sacrifices, intensive training and high costs, which often discourage young people from pursuing a professional career.
Meanwhile, ice hockey is gaining ground, especially among girls, as it offers more scholarship opportunities and a clearer path to sporting success, unlike skating, where reaching the top remains a rare challenge.
Experts say that interest in ice skating, especially in the US, has also declined due to the complicated scoring system, which places more focus on technical difficulty than artistry, turning it into a competition of extreme elements.
Unlike America, countries like Russia, Japan, and Canada dominate, thanks to strong national programs and group training that foster competition among athletes.
However, with changes to the rating system for young people and athletes breaking the limits of difficulty, hope for a resurgence remains alive.
Ice skating will always be a combination of passion, art, and strength — a sport that amazes, challenges, and inspires.
