Jump, Spin, Glide: The Science Of Figure Skating

What’s the secret to landing a quadruple lutz, or speeding your death spiral? A figure skating researcher weighs in.

Figure skating is a fan favorite at the Winter Olympics—for every event, the stands are packed to watch competitors glide, jump, and spin. But what does it take to pull off these seemingly effortless moves? 

Figure skating researcher Deborah King joins Host Ira Flatow to unfold the science of the sport, from the impressive jumps of US skater Ilia Malinin, to the g-forces endured by the ankles of a speeding skater.

Guest: Dr. Deborah King is a professor of exercise science and athletic training at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York.

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