Synchronized skating is now well-established as an organized sport in several European countries with several of them having produced teams who frequently win championships at the international level. The required elements must be performed in specific ways, as described by published communications by the ISU, unless otherwise specified.

The aim of the investigation: to study similarities and differences of sports in various countries.

The object of the investigation is the synchronized skating.

The hypotheses of the investigation: synchronized skating as one of the most popular sports reflect the national character of sportsmen from different countries, their way of thinking, attitude towards participants in order to achieve the best results. Studying the main features and elements of skating will help us to understand better the realities of native speakers. Investigation of sports similarities and differences in various countries is one of effective ways to develop tolerance of the young people to different cultures and nationalities.

To prove the hypotheses it is necessary to do the following tasks:

To make an excursion into the history of the synchronized skating.

To study the main elements and features of synchronized skating.

To make a research of similarities and differences of sports in various countries.

To make a contribution to my knowledge of English.

The methods of the investigation: studying different kinds of literature (books, encyclopedias, web-sites), analysis, taking part in trainings.

Chapter 1. History of Synchronized skating

Synchronized skating, often called synchro, is an ice skating sport where between 8 and 20 skaters perform together as a team. They move as a flowing unit at high speed over the ice, while performing elements and footwork.

This complex sport originated in 1956 and was initially called "precision skating" due to its emphasis on the maintenance of intricate and precise formations and the requirement of precise timing from all members of the group. Synchronized skating is now well-established as an organized sport in several European countries with several of them having produced teams who frequently win championships at the international level. Currently there are more than 600 synchro teams in United States alone.

In 1956, the first synchronized skating team was formed by Dr. Richard Porter. The 'Hockettes' skated out of Ann Arbor, Michigan and entertained spectators during intermissions of the University of Michigan Wolverines hockey team. In the early days, precision skating (as it was then called) resembled a drill team routine, or a precision dance company such as The Rockettes.

During the 1970s, the interest for this new sport grew and developed. Teams developed more creative and innovative routines incorporating stronger basic skating skills, new maneuvers and more sophisticated transitions with greater speed, style and agility. Due to the increased interest in the sport in North America, the first official international competition was held between Canadian and American teams in Michigan in March 1976. With the internationalization of the sport, it has evolved, with increasing emphasis on speed and skating skills, and "highlight" elements such as jumps, spirals, spins, and lifts that originally were not permitted in competition.

In the 1980s, sanctioned championships started in Canada and then the USA. And the sport grew overseas.

In 1994, the ISU recognized Precision team skating as a discipline of figure skating and sanctioned the first international competitions (with 15 countries participating).

In 1998, the ISU officially used the internationally recognized term "synchronized skating".

In 2000, the first World synchronized skating championship were held in Minneapolis with 21 teams from 17 countries

1.1 Helsinki Rockettes as the first synchronized figure skating team

Helsinki Rockettes the first synchronized figure skating team. Synchronized skating team from Helsinki, Finland, representing the figure skating club Helsingin Taitoluisteluklubi. They are one of the most successful teams in the world with three World Championships (2008, 2010 and 2011) and they are ten-time Finnish champions (across 1991–2012).

Helsinki Rockettes claimed their first World Championships medal, silver, in 2001. They won another silver medal as well as two bronze medals before capturing their first World title in 2008. They won their second World title in 2010, with Team Finland 2 Marigold IceUnity placing second. The pattern was repeated the following year in their hometown Helsinki in April 2011 when Rockettes became World champions for the third time.

The team was founded in 1984, thus being the first synchronized skating team in Finland. The name of the team was changed Rockettes in 1991, and then to Helsinki Rockettes in 2017. The team's long-time coach Kaisa Nieminen, with a skating background in Team Surprise, began working with Rockettes in 1997. Out of the 14 times that the World Championships have taken place, Helsinki Rockettes have represented Finland a total of nine times.

The Rockettes are a team made up of 16 female skaters. These women range in age from their early 20s to their late 30s and come from all over the United States. They bring with them a wide range of skating styles and experiences, creating a diverse and dynamic team. Every year, the Rockettes train together for months to perfect their routines and create new ones that showcase their skills and talent.

The Rockettes have won numerous national and international titles throughout their history.

They have competed in the United States, Canada, and Europe and have captured the hearts of audiences and judges alike. In 2003, the team won the World Synchronized Skating Championship, an accomplishment that solidified their reputation as one of the best teams in the world. They have also won the US National Championship multiple times, including in 2020.

However, their success hasn’t come easily. The Rockettes put in countless hours of training and practicing to perfect their routines. They train seven days a week, often for several hours a day. They work on their strength, endurance, and flexibility to perform the stunts and jumps that are a signature of their performances. In addition to their physical training, the Rockettes also work on their mental toughness, learning to focus and tune out distractions while they perform.

The Rockettes’ performances are a sight to behold. The team moves in perfect unison, creating breathtaking visuals that leave audiences amazed. Their routines are intricate and complex, requiring precision timing and coordination. The team’s costumes and music choices are carefully chosen to complement each routine, adding to the overall spectacle of the performance.

In addition to their impressive competition record, the Rockettes have also performed in a variety of events and shows. They have performed at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Spectacular in New York City for several years, wowing audiences with their stunning performances. They have also performed at the Winter Olympics and at other high-profile events around the world. Their performances have earned them a loyal following of fans who appreciate their skill and artistry.

The Rockettes are more than just a skating team. They are a group of dedicated athletes who work tirelessly to achieve their goals. Their commitment to excellence and their love of skating is evident in every performance. They are an inspiration to young skaters around the world who dream of one day achieving the same level of success.

In conclusion, the Rockettes are a team that has achieved great success and worldwide recognition in the world of synchronized skating. They are a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into achieving excellence in any sport. Their performances continue to inspire audiences around the world with their grace, beauty, and skill. The Rockettes are a true example of what can be achieved with passion, hard work, and talent.

1.2 The first competitions

There are international synchronized skating competitions at the novice, junior, and senior levels (with senior being the most elite). The International Skating Union held the first official World Synchronized Skating Championships in 2000 in Minneapolis, MN, USA, in which the strongest senior teams from across the globe gather to determine which is the world's best. Although in 1996 the first "World Challenge Cup" was held in Boston, MA, USA, it was unofficially the first competition to crown the world champion of synchronized skating (Team Surprise of Sweden). The top junior teams from around the world compete against one another in the World Challenge Cup for Juniors, held in a different location every year. Recently the top novice teams in the world have had an opportunity to compete against one another with the Leon Lurje Trophy which was held for the first time in the 2006-2007 season.

The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships started in 2000 and is the most prestigious annual international competition in the field of Synchronized Skating. It awards the Teams according to their performances in both a Short and Free Skating Program. Teams eligible for the event must represent an ISU Member nation, and consist of 16 Skaters each (plus up to four alternates).

The ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships started in 2013 and was originally held biennially. In 2017, it has grown into an annual format to become the most renowned yearly international competition for juniors in the field of Synchronized Skating. It awards the Teams according to their performances in both a Short and Free Skating Program.

Teams eligible for the event must represent an ISU Member nation. They consist of 16 Skaters each (plus up to four alternates), who should be aged between 13 and 19 years old.

Since the beginning, the top positions have been mainly dominated by Sweden and Finland: the Swedish Team Surprise have won six World titles, four silver medals and one bronze medal and the Finnish Marigold IceUnity are five-time World Champions with seven silver medals and two bronze medals. Rockettes from Finland have earned three World titles, four silver medals and six bronze medals. Other major teams include the Canadian Les Suprêmes with three World titles and one bronze medal and NEXXICE with two World titles, three silvers and two bronzes, the Russian Team Paradise with three World titles and two bronze medals, the Finnish Team Unique with one gold and one silver, as well as the American teams, Miami University and the Haydenettes with one silver and four bronze medals, respectively. Other medalists include the (now-discontinued) Canadian black ice with one silver medal and two bronze medals.

1.3 The rules of this sport

Synchronized skating currently uses a judging format similar to singles, pairs and ice dancing. The discipline is primarily judged on skating skills, transitions, performance, composition, interpretation and difficulty of elements.

Each level performs a free skate program that requires elements such as circles, lines, blocks, wheels, intersections, no holds, and, at higher levels, lifts. Teams are required to perform step sequences, ranging in difficulty with each level. In the highest ranking levels, Junior and Senior division teams are required to perform a short program in addition to the free skate. The short program is more technical in nature, whereas the free skating program is longer and provides an opportunity to showcase expression, emotion and interpretation.

Junior level teams compete in the Junior World Synchronized Skating Championships. At the senior level, teams compete at the World Synchronized Skating Championship.

All member nations of the ISU are allocated one entry for each level, countries that placed in the top five of the previous championship are awarded two team entries.

A synchronized skating routine may consist of straight line sequences, wheels, blocks, circle step sequences, or also moves in isolation. Moves in isolation, used in advanced levels, consist of one or more skaters separating from the rest of the team to performs freestyle type moves. For example, three figure-skaters may separate and execute sit spins, while the rest of the team is performing a circle formation. The three figure skaters will then re-join the group and carry on with the routine. Similarly, Novice, Junior, and Senior programs include moves in the field. Wherein the whole team performs sets of moves such as biellmann spirals, 170 spirals, unsupported spirals, spread eagles, or Ina Bauers connected.

The required elements must be performed in specific ways, as described by published communications by the ISU, unless otherwise specified. The ISU publishes violations and their points values yearly. Situations warranting deductions in synchronized skating include elements where one-quarter of the team or more fails to execute a maneuver in congruence with the majority of the team, falls, interruptions, illegal maneuvers (such as cartwheels, and violations of the rules concerning time, music, and clothing.

1.3 Judging

International IJS System

The competitive levels of synchronized skating, like those in other disciplines of Figure skating, are now judged using the ISU Judging System that was introduced in 2004. Each element is assigned a difficulty level by the technical panel made up of a technical specialist, assistant technical specialist and a technical controller. Each level of difficulty for a particular element corresponds to a pre-determined base value. The base value is the number of points that are awarded for an executed element before the grade of execution or any deductions are applied. Judges assign a grade of execution from -3 to +3 to each of the elements. Each grade of execution, or GOE, corresponds to a point value. For each element, the highest and lowest GOE values are dropped and the rest are averaged then added to the base value. The sum of all the scores of the elements comprises the Technical Elements score.

Program Component Score

The judges will award points on a scale from 0.25 to 10 (in increments of 0.25) for five program components to grade overall presentation. As with Grade of Execution (GOEs), the highest and lowest scores for each component are thrown out, and the remaining scores are averaged. The final program components scores are then multiplied by a set factor to ensure the technical score and program components score are balanced.

The five program components are:

Skating Skills - Overall skating quality, including edge control and flow over the ice surface (edges, steps, turns, speed, etc.), clarity of technique and use of effortless power to accelerate and vary speed.

Transitions - The varied and/or intricate footwork, positions, movement and holds that link all elements.

Performance - The involvement of the skater physically, emotionally and intellectually in translating the music and choreography.

Composition - An intentional, developed and/or original arrangement of all types of movements according to the principles of proportion, unity, space, pattern, structure and phrasing.

Interpretation of Music - The personal and creative translation of the music to the movement on the ice.

Technical Score

Each element of the program is assigned a base value, which gives skaters credit for every element they perform. Some elements, such as spins and step sequences, have levels of difficulty on which the base values are established. Judges grade the quality of each element using a grade of execution score within a range of -5 to +5, which is added to or deducted from the base value. GOEs are proportional to the base value of each element.

The highest and lowest scores for each element are thrown out, and the remaining scores are averaged to determine the final GOE for each element. The GOE is then added to or subtracted from the base value for each element, and the sum of the scores for all elements forms the technical score.

Segment Score

2015 Grand Prix Synchronized Skating Medal Ceremonies.

The technical score is added to the program components score to determine the segment score (short program/rhythm dance or free skate/dance). The scores for each segment are then added together to determine the competition score. The skater with the highest competition score is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, the team with the highest free program score wins the competition. The IJS is used at events in the national qualifying structure including the U.S. Championships as well as many local competitions at the juvenile through senior levels, including Excel.

Chapter 2. Elements of synchronized figure skating

Block

An element in which the skaters are arranged in parallel lines. The block must contain a minimum of three lines and a maximum of five. The skaters may be arranged in straight lines, diagonal lines, curved lines or a circular pattern. Teams should travel over the entire ice surface in the block. The lines of skaters should be straight and all of the skaters evenly spaced. Features that make a block increase in difficulty are step sequences, pivoting and changes of configuration.

Circle

There are several variations of the circle, including one circle, several circles or a circle inside a circle. The shape should be round and spacing between skaters should be even. There should not be any visible pulling or tugging between skaters. Features that increase the difficulty include step sequences, traveling and changes of rotational direction.

Intersection

An intersection occurs when one half of the team inter sects the other half of the team. Skaters may do turns, steps, dance jumps or free skating movements at the point of intersection to increase the difficulty.

Line

There are several variations of the line, including one straight line, parallel lines or diagonal lines. Features that increase the difficulty include pivoting, changing configu ration and retrogression.

Movement in isolation

A movement in isolation is an element during which some skaters are isolated from the rest of the team while performing free skating elements. These movements must show a relationship to the rest of the team and enhance the musical interpretation. The free skating elements, such as jumps, spins, spirals or lifts, must be performed by a minimum of three skaters and a maximum of less than half of the team.

Moves in the field

Moves in the field are a sequence of movements that must include free skating moves such as spirals, spread eagles, Ina Bauers and other flowing moves with strong edges, connected with linking steps. A moves-in-the field element must include at least three different free skating moves.

No hold block

A no hold block is an element that looks similar to a block except none of the skaters are connected to one another. The team must perform a step sequence in four or five lines that travel over the entire ice surface on a diagonal or straight line. The skaters must hold their spacing with out connecting, and everyone must do the steps in unison.

Spins

All skaters must perform the same spin in unison. They may perform the element in any formation they choose.

Pairs element

A free skating element or move when one skater attaches to another by the use of one or both hands. Pairs elements in syn chronized skating include pair spins, pair lifts and pair pivots such as death spirals.

Wheel

A wheel is an element during which all of the skaters rotate around a common center point. It can be performed in many different forma tions such as those that include two to five spokes or parallel wheels. All spokes of the wheel should be straight, and the lean of the skaters should be in the same direction. Teams increase difficulty by includ ing changes of rotational direction and traveling.

Chapter 3. Teams from Russia, the USA and Canada 3.1 The team from Russia

Paradise is a Russian synchronized figure skating team. It was founded by figure skating coach Irina Yakovleva in 1994 in St. Petersburg, at the figure skating school of the Yubileyny Sports Palace. The team is named after St. Petersburg, which its founder Peter I called "paradise" (from the French Paradis - "paradise"). He performs at adult competitions. World Champions in 2016, 2017 and 2019. The winners of the 2015/2016 Grand Prix Final. Champions of Russia from 1999 to 2021. As of June 17, 2022, he is ranked 8th in the ranking of the International Skating Union.

Since its foundation, the head coach of the team has been Honored Artist of Russia, Honored Coach of Russia Irina Yakovleva. In January 1996, figure skating coach, Honored Artist of Russia, Honored Coach of Russia Alexander Yakovlev, the husband of Irina Yakovleva, joined the coaching staff of the team, and in July 2014, figure skater Elena Chernova, who previously competed in the team. For 25 years, choreographers Lyudmila Mozhina, Sergey Shtykov, Sergey Zimin have worked at Paradise, and now Alexander Rachinsky is engaged with athletes.

The team made its debut in August 1994 at the opening of figure skating competitions during the Summer Goodwill Games held in St. Petersburg. In November of the same year, Paradise won bronze medals at the first Russian Championship.

The 2023 Russian Synchronized Skating Championship has ended in Saransk. 20 teams from 13 regions of Russia competed for the awards. After the short program, the Paradise team (St. Petersburg) was in the lead, ahead of the girls from Tatarstan by 2.5 points.

According to the results of the free skate, St. Petersburg figure skaters increased the gap from their pursuers by several more points and became champions of Russia. So, Paradise rose to the first step of the podium, scoring 245.61 points. Last year's champions from Tatarstan stopped one step away from victory (238.13).

3.2 The team from the USA

The Skyliners Synchronized Skating Team is a synchronized skating team from the New York metropolitan area.

Skyliners Synchronized Skating Team was established in 2001, and started competing internationally in 2003. they are two-time world championships competitors, three-time Junior worlds medalists (2018–2019, 2022), seven-time U.S national medalists (2015–2020, 2022), and four-time U.S junior national champions (2017–2020).

The Junior line of the Skyliners Synchronized Skating Team delivered history-making results at the 2018 World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships in Zagreb, Croatia on March 16-17, winning the Silver medal and the first-ever medal by a U.S. team. Skyliners Junior competed as Team USA 1 in their eighth appearance at Worlds, capping their season as number two in the world and as the reigning 2018 U.S. National Champions, earning their second consecutive and fourth national championship title.

The Skyliners, who finished fourth at last year’s Worlds (missing the podium by just .18 points), sat in second after earning 65.15 points for their short program, just 3.35 points off the lead from Team Russia. They skated their emotional short program to “You and I” by the Tenors, music that is very meaningful to the team.

Entering the free skate to music from Black Swan, the Skyliners showed great intensity and expression throughout the performance. A free skate score of 104.67 and a total score of 169.82 was enough to keep the New York-based team in second position between Team Russia 1 and 2.

The Junior line was chosen to represent Team USA internationally this season, capturing Gold at The Cup of Berlin in January and Silver at The French Cup in February.

The Skyliners Synchronized Skating Team was established in 2001 by a group of parents who wanted to create the most competitive synchronized skating club in the tri-state area. In that first year, the team had three lines.

Over the last 17 years, Skyliners has grown into one of the top synchronized skating teams in the country -- now with 12 competitive lines, and 220+ skaters ranging in age from 5 to 24. While the majority of the skaters reside in the tri-state area, Skyliners also draws members from Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

For the 2018-2019 competitive season, Skyliners will expand, fielding additional lines in New Jersey. The tremendous growth and success of the team are attributed to the dedicated athletes, talented coaches and devoted Board members and parent volunteers who make Skyliners possible season after season.

Synchronized skating consists of 8-20 highly-skilled athletes performing a program on ice together, moving as one flowing unit. It is characterized by teamwork, speed, intricate formations and challenging step sequences. There are approximately 600 synchronized teams and nearly 5000 synchronized skaters in the U.S. alone, with elite competitions at both the national and international level. Although not currently an Olympic sport, there is significant movement toward including it at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

3.3 The team from Canada

Les Suprêmes (The Supremes) is the senior-level synchronized skating team representing the figure skating club Club de Patinage Artistique de Saint-Léonard (CPA St-Léonard) in Montréal, Quebec, Canada. CPA St-Léonard fields teams, all named Les Suprêmes, at six levels: star , juvenile, novice, open, junior and senior.

They are the first team in the world to ever win three consecutive gold medals (from 2022 to 2024) at the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships. Their victory in 2022 came almost two decades after the team had last won a world medal (bronze) at the 2003 World Championships.[4] Les Suprêmes were also the number one ranked team in the world at the end of the 2023–2024 season.

Calgary, AB (January 11, 2024) – The Les Suprêmes junior team from Saint-Léonard, Que., claimed the junior national synchronized skating title on Thursday evening at the 2024 Canadian National Skating Championships taking place at the WinSport Arena in Calgary, Alta, setting a new national record along the way.

The team of 16 skaters, who last won the junior national title in 2022, delivered a very strong free skate to score 125.26 and win the gold medal with a total overall score of 197.55 – a new national record.

“We did exactly what we do at home, and I think our performance really reflected all of our hard work and we’re really proud,” said team co-captain Victoria Gimenez.

When asked if the fact that they were sitting in first after their short program impacted them at all heading into the competition today, Gabriella Musi, the other team co-captain, added: “If we were last, second, or third, it would have been the same thing that we would have delivered on the ice – because at the end of the day, it’s a new day and a level playing field for everybody. The new national record is just a great bonus!”

Last year’s champions, Nexxice from Burlington, Ont., took the silver medal with an overall score of 189.07, while Nova from St-Hubert, Que., took bronze with an overall score of 183.28.

It was a good day for the Les Suprêmes club as their senior team also topped the results with their short program. The team, who are the reigning World Champions, scored a 74.80 to take the lead with the senior team from Nexxice sitting second with a score of 72.24, and the Nova senior team sitting third with a score of 71.81.

“It feels great. We’ve worked really hard the last few weeks to clean our programs, and improve our calls, and just deliver a clean program and I think that’s what we did today,” said Les Suprêmes team co-captain Olivia Digiandomenico.

The senior synchronized skating competition will wrap up Friday with the free skate, while the senior competition gets started with the short program for the women, men, and pair skaters, and the rhythm dance for the ice dance teams.

Les Suprêmes, from St-Léonard, Que., claimed its second straight gold medal at the ISU world synchronized skating championships on Saturday in Lake Placid, N.Y. There were no changes to the top four after Friday's short program as Les Suprêmes took top spot with a season-best 240.98 points, four more than last year's winning performance. The national bronze medalists entered the competition with two international medals this season, including a victory at the Spring Cup in Italy.

Chapter 4. Participation in the Olympic Games – can it be the reality for sportsmen

It is not an Olympic sport. It has been reviewed for Olympic eligibility. One reason it may be difficult to convince officials to make it an Olympic sport is the cost of housing and training teams of 20 skaters.

To become an Olympic sport, the International Olympic Committee's executive board would need to propose it, and the rest of the IOC would then have to hold a vote. It's how breakdancing was added to the lineup for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.

Ahead of the Beijing Games, the International Skating Union announced the appointment of a working group to "investigate, strategize and gather the information required for Synchronized Skating to be accepted as an Olympic discipline" in Beijing. The sport didn't make the cut this year, but U.S. Figure Skating says it stands strongly in favor, according to a statement provided to NPR.

It's hard to tell when any decision will be made one way or the other, so for now, competitive synchronized skaters say they are focused on continuing to improve — whether at the Olympic level or not. But the Olympic dream remains.

Still, the sport will have multiple hurdles to overcome before it can reach the Olympic stage. The IOC considers new sports based on 35 criteria, including how many athletes and officials would be included; how popular the sport is in the host country and what type of revenues it might generate.

The Haydenettes have participated in every world championship since the International Skating Union's first World Synchronized Skating Championships were held in in 2000. The squad has won medals five times at the world level and have been national champions more than two dozen times.

The sport is much different than it was two decades ago, says Krantz. Over the years, the number of skaters on the ice has decreased to 16 from 32, Krantz notes. The International Skating Union is also testing the sport with 12 skaters.

There was talk that Synchron should be given Olympic status even before the Sochi Games. And many experts said that already in Pyeongchang synchronized skating will be presented, if not as a full-fledged, then certainly as a demonstration sport. However, there were no demonstrations, and the issue of Olympic status is very far from being resolved.

First of all, this will lead to a sharp increase in the number of participants in the Games. If ten teams compete (16 main skaters each, and there are also spare ones, and coaches with doctors, massage therapists and technicians), then this is about 220-240 additional places in the Olympic Village. This is an additional arena, since it is difficult to accommodate synchronized skating in the same stadiums where the traditional figure skating and short track take place, without expanding the calendar slot of the Games.

Chapter 5. The comparison between Russian and international synchronized skating 5.1 Amateur level or professional?

Synchronized figure skating includes elements of both single figure skating and ice dancing, so applicants for entry into the Paradis team must not only technically slide, but also perform jumping elements.

After successfully passing the selection, intensive training and a lot of psychological work begin. Becoming a part of a cohesive team is not easy: you need to be able to find a common language with other skaters and, most importantly, subordinate your ego to the tasks of the team.

For many, synchronized skating is really an alternative to ending their careers. For example, Ekaterina Vysotina from the St. Petersburg Paradise team skated with Alexey Mishin for 5 years – she won regional tournaments in KMS and was twice in the top six of the Russian Junior Championship. Then the standard teenage problems began: rapid growth, broken jumps. The chances of winning medals in single skating disappeared – then the girl tried herself in synchronized skating.

In the USA, the situation is different – synchronized skating is often practiced there at the amateur level. There are almost 600 teams in the country: many are created at schools, colleges and universities.

Figure skating in the United States has a representative government. Clubs and individual members appoint delegates. The number of delegates representing the club and individual participants depends on the number of registered paid participants in the previous year. Representation of athlete delegates shall be 20 per cent of the votes of registered delegates and proxies. Collectively, these delegates meet annually (usually in early May) to review, amend, and ratify the actions taken by the Board following last year's Governing Body meeting. This annual meeting of designated delegates is called the Governing Body.

Synchronized figure skating is taken very seriously in Canada. Athletes undergo the most rigorous selection before joining a particular team in this country. Using the example of Les Suprêmes, which became the first team in the world to ever win three gold medals in a row (from 2022 to 2024) at the Synchronized Skating World Championships. Their victory in 2022 came almost two decades after the team last won a world medal (bronze) at the 2003 World Championships. Les Suprêmes were also the number one team in the world at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

5.2 Training process

The technique of performing and the methodology of teaching compulsory figures in different countries have specific features. First of all, the sequence of positions in the figures, the movements of the free leg when sliding and turning, the position of the trunk, as well as the methodological techniques used in the training process differ somewhat. Each national school is distinguished by its own organizational structure of figure skating, which in some cases is reflected in the construction of the training process, its planning, and the details of the teaching methodology.

All skaters of intermediate and higher in the USA qualifications make weekly reports on the training work according to the mandatory program, with the numbers of the required figures. The report shows how many minutes were spent on training a particular figure in both a week and a day, as well as how much time was used for one workout in mandatory figures. The number of repetitions of the required figure for a certain time is also noted.

The training of the mandatory program takes 2 hours. 30 minutes. — 2 hours. 45 min. with a break for ice preparation. Within 1 hour. 15 min. Skaters work on one of the large figures (30 min. from each leg) and a figure with loops from one leg. For the next 1 hour and 15 minutes, they work on another large figure with both legs and the same figure with loops on the other leg. On average, 25-30 minutes are allocated for each figure. All skaters train two large figures and one figure with loops.

St. Petersburg Paradise team has been the undisputed champion of Russia in synchronized figure skating since 1999. This team represents Russia at all international tournaments under the auspices of the ISU.

There is no single secret and strategy here. We collectively work out all the elements and the chronology of the dance. We train both on the ice and in the gym. Choreography lessons and general rehearsals on the floor take even more time.

The main goal is for each figure skater to feel all her colleagues and understand that only together we can win. It's like tuning a Stradivarius violin: big and subtle work with a team.

One of them is Elmira Mazitova, the current head coach of the masters team. The choreographer Evgenia Antonova helps her.

The training process of Kazan synchronized swimmers is unusual. "I went and did it!!!" - there is no such thing here. The coach does not stand with a stick at the side. The relationship is such that coaches share their knowledge and experience, and the athlete decides for himself whether to use it or not. It resembles the American style. It's understandable: no one keeps adult athletes. If they come to training, it means they want to learn something and become better.

5.3 Financing of synchronized skating

In terms of financial issues, systems can raise a lot of questions. It should be said right away that the American system is more liberal, because it affects the athlete's interactions with intermediary companies.

American figure skaters are funded not only by the state, but also by sponsorship companies. Usually, an athlete is given the opportunity to choose an organization of interest to him.

In the Russian system, everything is completely the opposite. Everything looks much more complicated because the system is run by the state. Accordingly, the federation is responsible for financing: she negotiates with sponsors, organizes training sessions and supports athletes.

The Russian system looks simple for an athlete, since he does not need to focus on paper and money issues. The American system is more liberal, therefore it allows the athlete to manage the available resources through intermediary companies.

We count the money earned according to the result and do not know exactly how much money reaches each skater (it is rumored that in the region of 50-60%).

Canadian funding is directed more towards the amount of donations from special funds.

For example, The Canadian Figure Skating Federation has announced the start of fundraising.

Fans can send money to one of five funds (Skate For Life Skater Fund, Skate To Win Athlete Fund, Coach Fund, Officials Fund and Leadership Fund).

“Canadians love figure skating, and now they have a way to help develop it in Canada. The opportunity to channel money into one of the funds will allow people to have a direct impact on sports," said Dan Thompson, Executive Director of the Federation.

6. CONCLUSION

During writing the research paper the following aims were achieved:

The investigation of similarities and differences of sports in various countries was made.

My knowledge and sports experience in this sphere was expanded.

The following conclusions can be made on the topic.

To sum up, the synchronized skating has achieved great success and worldwide recognition. Performances continue to inspire audiences around the world with their grace, beauty, and skill. Moreover, it is a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into achieving excellence in sport. The tremendous growth and success of the synchronized skating teams are attributed to the dedicated athletes, talented coaches and devoted board members and parent volunteers.

During my work on the research I came to the conclusion that it helped me to understand better the main features of synchronized skating, especially through my own experience. In my opinion, studying similarities and differences of sports in various countries is one of the effective ways to develop tolerance of the young people to different cultures and nationalities.

My research paper can be used by teachers and students in order to widen their knowledge in different fields and practice something new during their sports activities

7. Bibliography

Synchronized skating - Wikipedia

Team Paradise - Wikipedia

Synchronized Skating Championships | International Skating Union (isu.org)

What is synchronized skating - Introduction (iceskatingpassion.com)

Synchronized-Skating-Required-Elements.pdf (dta0yqvfnusiq.cloudfront.n

https://www.sport-express.ru/figure-skating/reviews/priznayut-li-sinhronnoe-figurnoe-katanie-olimpiyskim

history-of-the-rockettes (northjersey.com)

U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships - Wikipedia

Skyliners Synchronized Skating Team - Wikipedia

Canada's Les Suprêmes successfully defend world synchronized skating title | CBC Sports

Абсалямова И.В.. Фигурное катание на коньках: Дрофа, 2010. -1005 с.