A Case Study Exploring the Experiences of a Transgender Athlete in Synchronized Skating, a Subdiscipline of Figure Skating

The inclusion of transgender athletes in sport challenges a number of long-standing cis-heteronormative beliefs within athletics at all levels of competition. There are limited studies examining the integration and experiences of transgender athletes within amateur sport. The following case study follows the experiences of a transgender synchronized figure skater, Mason, who was able to continue competing throughout his transition process. We conducted eight semi-structured one-on-one interviews with Mason, his teammates, his team manager, and his past and present coaches. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subject to thematic analysis which resulted in four overarching themes: (a) building inclusivity: “promote a safe space,” (b) acknowledging stress, (c) disclosure: “I didn’t want to talk about my past,” and (d) celebration. Results are interpreted as recommendations for coaches on how to adopt inclusive practices to better support transgender athletes.

Incidence of head injury and concussion among synchronized skaters: Rates, risks, and behaviors

Data regarding risk and rates for head injury and concussion specific to the sport of synchronized skating is absent from literature. This study differentiated team level-based rate and risk for head injury and concussion, identified behaviors to include education, baseline screening and protective equipment utilization, and the implementation of return to play protocols. An anonymous cross-sectional survey was implemented at the 2018 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. Participants were female members of a qualifying team, ages 13 and older, intermediate participation level and higher. The survey response rate was 42% (520/1,232). Among the survey respondents, 7% (36/520) reported head injury in the practice setting and 1% (4/520) in the competitive setting. Among respondents who reported head injury (n = 37), 68% (25/37) reported a team skill injury, with senior level reporting the highest 22% (13/75) rate. Among the sample population (n = 520), the odds of sustaining a head injury during a team skill was 2.13 times more likely than during individual skill (OR: 2.13, CI: 1.06, 4.30; p = 0.03). The odds of sustaining a head injury during practice was 9.59 times higher than in competition (OR: 9.59, CI: 3.30, 27.15; p < 0.0001). Among the sample population, 36% (188/520) reported receiving concussion education during the past training year and 8% (44/520) reported hitting their head on the ice and returning to skating without seeking medical consultation. A χ2 analysis did not reveal a significant association between education and return to skating without medical consultation X2 (1, n = 520) = 0.391, p = 0.532. Baseline screening was reported among 25% (128/520) of the survey respondents. Only 0.06% (3/520) of the survey respondents reported utilizing protective headgear. Among those reporting concussion (n = 26), 92% reported receiving a return to sport/learn progression. Emphasis on concussion education and medical provider access should be targeted to team skill development in the practice setting.

New Disciplines

Since the 1960s, televised World and Olympic competition brought figure skating into the homes of millions who discovered and enjoyed the perfect balance between artistry and athleticism that the sport offered. This developed an increasingly enthusiastic audience for the sport and led inevitably to a participatory role as converts filled ice rinks. Those new to skating discovered a recreational activity that persons of all ages could enjoy and that entire families could do together. Many, young and old, took lessons, and some became highly proficient. Not surprisingly, new competitive opportunities followed, which are the focus of this chapter. Adult skating is the most recent and fastest-growing area of competitive figure skating; collegiate and intercollegiate skating has become an available part of the college experience; and synchronized skating has evolved from an unpretentious beginning into a World championship sport that may become an Olympic sport.

Dietary Intake, Body Image Perceptions, and Weight Concerns of Female US International Synchronized Figure Skating Teams

The objectives of the study were to determine the nutrient intakes and to examine body image perceptions and weight concerns of elite female US international synchronized skaters. One hundred and twenty-three skaters (mean age = 17.0 ± 2.1 y; BMI = 21.32 ± 2.13) representing six US international synchronized skating teams from the 1998 competitive season participated in the study. Nutrient intakes were determined from 3-d dietary records. Body image perceptions were assessed from responses to silhouette drawings. Skaters completed an emotional and physical self-appraisal. Weight concerns were assessed using a self-administered validated weight history questionnaire. The reported energy intake was 26 kcal/kg. The contribution of carbohydrate, fat, and protein to total energy intake was 62%, 23%, and 15% for younger (14-18 y) and 62%, 24%, and 14%, respectively, for the older (19-30 y) skaters. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed between perceived ideal and current body shapes. The greater the dissatisfaction with physical and emotional self, the larger the discrepancy between current versus desired body shape. Results suggest that sports nutritionists should not only assess nutrition factors but also examine psychosocial and emotional correlates related to body image and weight concerns of synchronized skaters.