Blades Through Time: The Evolution of Men’s and Women’s Figure Skating
- Olivia Myers
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
This article is based on the history of one of the best-loved sports on ice, figure skating.
Introduction
Figure skaters' journey from frozen lakes all over the world to global arenas is an unforgettable journey filled with ups and downs as athletes compete to make their dreams come true. The evolution of men's and women's figure skating reveals how the sport has changed over the years.
Early beginnings in Figure Skating
Before figure skating became a competitive sport, it was a winter sport competed in Northern Europe, particularly in countries such as Norway and Sweden. Back then, many people sharpened animal bones and attached them to shoes, which allowed them to glide across the frozen rivers and lakes.
Skating was seen as a demonstration of both control and elegance, with an emphasis on control and figures that gave the sport its name. Many women participated in the sport recreationally, with societal norms limiting their competing opportunities.
The Birth of Competitive Figure Skating
The very first skating club was formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1742. But in the 19th century, organised figure skating competitions began to emerge. The International Skating Union was founded in 1982, making it the governing body of men's and women's figure skating.
Men's Figure Skating
Men's figure skating debuted in the 1908 edition of the Olympics that was held in Moscow. As the Winter Olympics had not been created yet, figure skating was competed at what is now referred to as the ‘Summer Olympics' in 1908 and 1920.
Women's Figure Skating
Women's figure skating followed in 1920, which marked a huge milestone in Women's Sport. It wasn’t until 1924, when the Winter Olympics were first held, that both male and figure skating found their way next to other ice sports, becoming a staple of the Winter Olympics.
Diverging Styles: The Rise of Artistic Expression in Men's Figure Skating
The first double jump appeared in the 1920s
Dick Button had landed the first triple jump back in 1952
The Triple Camel spin was introduced in 1952
Women’s Skating: Grace, Musicality, and Gradual Technical Growth
Midori became one of the first women to land a Triple Axel in 1988
By the early 2000s, triple‑triple combinations became essential for podium contention.
The Abolition of Compulsory Figures: A Turning Point
In 1990, compulsory figures were removed from competition. This decision reshaped the sport overnight, meaning that:
Skaters could focus on free skating and short programs
Technical jumps and spins became even more important than they used to be, with a new, strong focus on technique and difficulty, and
Young skaters came through the ranks quickly with more adolescents competing at national and global levels.
Men’s Skating Today
Most male single skating programs feature multiple jumps. Skaters like Yuzuru Hanyu, Nathan Chen, and Ilia Malinin have redefined what’s possible, with Malinin landing the first quad Axel in 2022.
The men’s field is now a showcase of:
High‑risk technical content
Rapid‑fire combinations, and
Increasingly complex choreography
Women’s Skating Today
Expectations are rising for both Men and Women, though the men still perform more quads on average in their performances.
Artistry in the performances remains essential, with choreography and skating skills heavily weighing on the scoring of the performance.
Cultural and coaching differences make a large impact on the performance and skill level of skaters.
A Sport Still in Motion
From tracing figures on frozen ponds to launching quads under the lights of worldwide arenas. The sport has transformed a lot over the recent years as both men and women have carved their own paths in this beloved sport. As many new generations of athletes step onto the ice, one thing remains constant: the magic of blades cutting across frozen surfaces, carrying the sport — and its skaters — into the future.
Article written by Elsie Nash © Elsie Nash 2026
