U.S. Figure Skating Championships

The United States Figure Skating Championships, held annually since 1914, is the nation's most prestigious figure skating event, crowning national champions in ladies, men's, pairs and ice dancing in each of the senior, junior and novice divisions.

In addition to determining the U.S. champions, the event serves as the final step in determining the U.S. teams for the World Figure Skating Championships, World Junior Figure Skating Championships, Four Continents Figure Skating Championships and Olympic Winter Games.

Throw jumps

Throw jumps - Pair Figure Skating

A throw jump, an element unique to pair skating, is a move in which the man assists the lady into the air and she lands on her own. Throw jumps can be done with any of the jump takeoffs, done as doubles, triples, or quadruples for elite pair teams. The toe loop and salchow are considered the easiest jumps while the loop and flip are more difficult; the most difficult throw jump is the axel. The score is affected by the quality of execution, including the speed going into the element and distance and height of the throw. The man should continue skating in a smooth manner, without stopping or lunging forward too much from the exertion.

Difficult entries, such as from a spiral, may increase the score.

The most difficult throw jump that has been completed in competition is the throw triple axel jump. It was first performed by Rena Inoue and John Baldwin Jr at the 2006 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. It was first performed in international competition at the 2006 Winter Olympics

U.S. Figure Skating Championships

The United States Figure Skating Championships, held annually since 1914, is the nation's most prestigious figure skating event, crowning national champions in ladies, men's, pairs and ice dancing in each of the senior, junior and novice divisions.

In addition to determining the U.S. champions, the event serves as the final step in determining the U.S. teams for the World Figure Skating Championships, World Junior Figure Skating Championships, Four Continents Figure Skating Championships and Olympic Winter Games.

The 2012 U.S. Figure Skating Championships will be held Jan. 22-29, 2012, in San Jose, Calif.

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