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.
115-478: Synchronized skating competition The ISU Junior World Challenge Cup was an international synchronized skating competition that determined the best junior teams in the world. Held for the first time in 2001, the competition was sanctioned by International Skating Union . From 2013 to 2016, after the 2013 launch of the World Junior Championships which
230-615: A presidential republic , with K. J. Ståhlberg elected as its first president on 25 July 1919. A liberal nationalist with a legal background, Ståhlberg anchored the state in liberal democracy , promoted the rule of law and initiated internal reforms. Finland was also one of the first European countries to strongly promote women's equality , with Miina Sillanpää becoming the first female minister in Finnish history in Väinö Tanner's cabinet in 1926–1927. The Finnish-Russian border
345-424: A diagonal line. To increase the difficulty the team may pivot the line, change configuration, or incorporate retrogression into the line. For a wheel every figure skater must rotate around a common center point. There are many different formations that teams can form including a two to five spoke or a parallel wheel. Each spoke (line) of the wheel should be straight and the figure skaters should be leaning into
460-468: A diverse and extensive range of fauna. There are at least sixty native mammalian species, 248 breeding bird species, over 70 fish species, and 11 reptile and frog species present today, many migrating from neighbouring countries thousands of years ago. Large and widely recognized wildlife mammals found in Finland are the brown bear , grey wolf , wolverine , and elk . Three of the more striking birds are
575-546: A fourth and sometimes a fifth Senior team has competed along in the intervening years. Throughout the years, the Finnish senior teams qualifying for the World Championships have been selected based on their performance at the two qualifiers and the national championships. In the season 2012–13, the teams were selected as follows: the Finnish Champion qualified automatically as Team Finland 1 for
690-400: 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
805-533: A mutual security pact with the United Kingdom. On 12 May, Finland's president and Prime Minister called for NATO membership "without delay". Subsequently, on 17 May, the Finnish Parliament voted 188–8 in favour of Finland's accession to NATO. Finland became a member of NATO on 4 April 2023. Lying approximately between latitudes 60° and 70° N , and longitudes 20° and 32° E , Finland
920-411: 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
1035-486: A result of the two wars, Finland lost 12% of its land area, 20% of its industrial capacity, its second largest city, Vyborg ( Finnish : Viipuri ), and the ice-free port of Liinakhamari ( Finnish : Liinahamari ). The Finns lost 97,000 soldiers and were forced to pay war reparations of $ 300 million ($ 4.1 billion in 2023). However, the country avoided occupation by Soviet forces and managed to retain its independence. Along with Great Britain, Finland emerged from
1150-466: A round shape. To increase the difficulty of a circle a team can include step sequences, traveling, and changes of rotational direction. Assisting of travel can also be present in a circle, and is usually noted by a skater trying to cut through the rotation of the circle on a straight path; this will be noticeable with the same jerky/whipping motion of the circle. There are many different types of lines. Lines can be two parallel lines, one straight line, or
1265-400: A set factor to ensure the technical score and program components score are balanced. The five program components are: 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
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#17327874251541380-490: A straight path and stop the flow of rotation in an effort to gain more distance up the ice. More often than not, assisting the travel can be spotted because a) a team member will look out of place and b) the wheel will whip or be very jerky in movement. An intersection, also known as a pass through, is when the figure skaters skate towards each other in lines and intersect. The intersection can be two lines, such as an angled intersection, but can have three or four lines, such as
1495-442: A triangle or box. At the point of intersection skaters could do turns or free skating movements to increase the difficulty. The entry to the intersection can be made more difficult by intersecting from an angle or from a whip. The no hold element has the same qualities as a regular block. The only difference is that the skaters are not connected in a no hold block. The goal of this maneuver is to stay in perfect alignment while doing
1610-705: A violent time in the northern Baltic Sea. The Livonian Crusade was ongoing and the Finnish tribes such as the Tavastians and Karelians were in frequent conflicts with Novgorod and with each other. Also, during the 12th and 13th centuries several crusades from the Catholic realms of the Baltic Sea area were made against the Finnish tribes. Danes waged at least three crusades to Finland, in 1187 or slightly earlier, in 1191 and in 1202, and Swedes , possibly
1725-590: Is a member of various international organisations, such as the Nordic Council , the Schengen Area , and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The nation performs extremely well in national performance metrics , including education , economic competitiveness, civil liberties, quality of life, and human development. The area that is now Finland was settled in, at
1840-466: Is different from Wikidata Synchronized skating 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
1955-613: Is one of the world's northernmost countries. Of world capitals, only Reykjavík lies more to the north than Helsinki. The distance from the southernmost point – Hanko in Uusimaa – to the northernmost – Nuorgam in Lapland – is 1,160 kilometres (720 mi). Finland has about 168,000 lakes (of area larger than 500 m or 0.12 acres) and 179,000 islands. Its largest lake, Saimaa , is the fourth largest in Europe. The Finnish Lakeland
2070-720: Is shared between the Arctic, central European, and northern European provinces of the Circumboreal Region within the Boreal Kingdom . According to the WWF , the territory of Finland can be subdivided into three ecoregions : the Scandinavian and Russian taiga , Sarmatic mixed forests , and Scandinavian Montane Birch forest and grasslands . Taiga covers most of Finland from northern regions of southern provinces to
2185-500: Is the area with the most lakes in the country; many of the major cities in the area, most notably Tampere , Jyväskylä and Kuopio , are located near the large lakes. The Finnish coastline is speckled with the world's largest archipelago, encompassing more than 50,000 islands, greatest concentration of which is found in the southwest, in the Archipelago Sea between continental Finland and the main island of Åland . Much of
2300-427: Is the highest point in Finland. It is found in the north of Lapland at the border between Finland and Norway. The highest mountain whose peak is entirely in Finland is Ridnitšohkka at 1,316 m (4,318 ft), directly adjacent to Halti. The retreating glaciers have left the land with morainic deposits in formations of eskers . These are ridges of stratified gravel and sand, running northwest to southeast, where
2415-487: Is the largest producer of wood in Europe and among the largest in the world. The most common type of rock is granite . It is a ubiquitous part of the scenery, visible wherever there is no soil cover. Moraine or till is the most common type of soil, covered by a thin layer of humus of biological origin. Podzol profile development is seen in most forest soils except where drainage is poor. Gleysols and peat bogs occupy poorly drained areas. Phytogeographically , Finland
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#17327874251542530-596: The Corded Ware culture in Southern coastal Finland between 3000 and 2500 BC may have coincided with the start of agriculture. Even with the introduction of agriculture, hunting and fishing continued to be important parts of the subsistence economy. In the Bronze Age , permanent all-year-round cultivation and animal husbandry spread, but the cold climate slowed the change. The Seima-Turbino phenomenon brought
2645-617: The Declaration of Independence on 4 December 1917, which was officially approved by the Finnish Parliament on 6 December. The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR), led by Vladimir Lenin was the first country to recognise Finland's independence on 4 January 1918. On 27 January 1918, the government began to disarm the Russian forces in Ostrobothnia . The socialists took control of southern Finland and Helsinki, but
2760-659: The ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships , to be held biannually in odd-numbered years with the JWCC in even-numbered years. Other long-running, major international events attracting elite teams at different levels include the French Cup , Spring Cup , Neuchâtel Trophy , Cup of Berlin , Zagreb Snowflakes Trophy , Leon Lurje Trophy and Prague Cup . The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships (WSSC) are
2875-613: The Onciderini also being common. The most common breeding birds are the willow warbler , common chaffinch , and redwing . Of some seventy species of freshwater fish, the northern pike , perch , and others are plentiful. Atlantic salmon remains the favourite of fly rod enthusiasts. The endangered Saimaa ringed seal , one of only three lake seal species in the world, exists only in the Saimaa lake system of southeastern Finland, down to only 390 seals today. The species has become
2990-591: The Protestant Reformation , the Finns gradually converted to Lutheranism . In the 16th century, a bishop and Lutheran Reformer Mikael Agricola published the first written works in Finnish; and Finland's current capital city, Helsinki , was founded by King Gustav Vasa in 1555. The first university in Finland, the Royal Academy of Turku , was established by Queen Christina of Sweden at
3105-754: The Russian Empire , as recognised by the Diet of Porvoo . This situation continued until the end of 1917. In 1812, Alexander I incorporated the Russian province of Vyborg into the Grand Duchy of Finland. In 1854, Finland became involved in Russia's involvement in the Crimean War when the British and French navies bombed the Finnish coast and Åland during the so-called Åland War . Although Swedish
3220-479: The Russian Empire . During this period, Finnish art flourished and the independence movement began to take hold. Finland became the first territory in Europe to grant universal suffrage in 1906, and the first in the world to give all adult citizens the right to run for public office. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Finland declared its independence . A civil war was fought in Finland
3335-879: The Skate Canada , held to determine the national champions of Canada . They were first held in 1983. Since 2000, it is during these events that the senior teams can qualify for the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships . Since 2023, the Junior and Senior level teams are competing in the combined synchronized and figure skating championships, held as a single event known as the Canadian National Skating Championships . Although not currently an Olympic sport , it has already been reviewed for Olympic eligibility. In 2007 synchronized skating
3450-636: The Social Democratic Party . The development of trade with the Western powers, such as the United Kingdom, and the payment of reparations to the Soviet Union led to Finland's transformation from a primarily agrarian society to an industrialised one. Valmet , originally a shipyard and then several metal workshops, was established to produce materials for war reparations. After the reparations were paid, Finland continued to trade with
3565-623: The Social Democrats , passed the so-called Power Act to give the parliament supreme authority. This was rejected by the Russian Provisional Government , which decided to dissolve the parliament. New elections were held in which the right-wing parties won by a small majority. Some social democrats refused to accept the result, claiming that the dissolution of parliament and the subsequent elections were extra-legal. The two almost equally powerful political blocs,
ISU Junior World Challenge Cup - Misplaced Pages Continue
3680-536: The US Figure Skating Association , the divisions include Beginner, Pre-Juvenile, Preliminary, Open Juvenile, Open Collegiate, and Open Adult (the non-qualifying divisions/ the divisions that do not go to Nationals) and Juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, Senior, Collegiate, Adult, and Masters (qualifying levels). ISI ( Ice Skating Institute ) is another governing body which focuses on a more recreational form of competition and does not have
3795-672: The World Bank , the International Monetary Fund and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade . During the Cold War , Finland officially embraced a policy of neutrality . The YYA treaty (Finno-Soviet Pact of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance) recognized Finland's desire to remain outside great-power conflicts. From 1956 president Urho Kekkonen had a virtual monopoly on relations with
3910-592: 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
4025-752: The last Ice Age . During the Stone Age , various cultures emerged, distinguished by different styles of ceramics. The Bronze Age and Iron Ages were marked by contacts with other cultures in Fennoscandia and the Baltic region . From the late 13th century, Finland became part of Sweden as a result of the Northern Crusades . In 1809, as a result of the Finnish War , Finland was captured from Sweden and became an autonomous grand duchy within
4140-563: The whooper swan , a large European swan and the national bird of Finland; the Western capercaillie , a large, black-plumaged member of the grouse family; and the Eurasian eagle-owl . The latter is considered an indicator of old-growth forest connectivity, and has been declining because of landscape fragmentation. Around 24,000 species of insects are prevalent in Finland some of the most common being hornets with tribes of beetles such as
4255-673: The world championships for synchronized skating. Held since 2000, the WSSC is an annual international event organized by the International Skating Union . The top positions have been dominated by Finland , with three different World Champions ( Marigold IceUnity , Rockettes and Team Unique ) and 19 medals, and Sweden with the team ( Team Surprise ) with most World titles and medals for a single team (12 medals). Other major countries include Canada with five gold, four silvers and six bronzes (for NEXXICE , Les Suprêmes and
4370-599: The 1950s. After World War II, it industrialised quickly and established an advanced economy, with a welfare state built on the Nordic model . This allowed the country to experience overall prosperity and high per capita income . During the Cold War , Finland officially embraced a policy of neutrality. Since then, it has become a member of the European Union in 1995, the Eurozone in 1999, and NATO in 2023. Finland
4485-630: The Baltic Sea region approximately 1900 BC. Common Finnic language was spoken around Gulf of Finland 2000 years ago. The dialects from which the modern-day Finnish language was developed came into existence during the Iron Age. Although distantly related, the Sami people retained the hunter-gatherer lifestyle longer than the Finns. The Sami cultural identity and the Sami language have survived in Lapland ,
4600-615: The Finnish Synchronized Skating Championships at the Novice, Junior and Senior levels. Also, it holds two Finnish Championships Qualifiers before the nationals. Since the late 1990s, the senior-level battle for the qualifier wins and Finnish Championship—and the ensuing ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships (WSSC) entries—has mainly been fought between three teams from Helsinki, Marigold IceUnity , Rockettes and Team Unique , while
4715-627: The Finns as the Greater Wrath (1714–1721) and the Lesser Wrath (1742–1743). It is estimated that almost an entire generation of young men was lost during the Great Wrath, due mainly to the destruction of homes and farms, and the burning of Helsinki. The Swedish era ended with the Finnish War of 1809. On 29 March 1809, after being conquered by the armies of Alexander I of Russia , Finland became an autonomous grand duchy within
ISU Junior World Challenge Cup - Misplaced Pages Continue
4830-420: 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. In 1956,
4945-554: The Middle Ages, Finland gradually became part of the kingdom of Sweden and the sphere of influence of the Catholic Church . Under Sweden, Finland was annexed as part of the cultural order of Western Europe . Swedish was the dominant language of the nobility, administration, and education; Finnish was chiefly a language for the peasantry , clergy, and local courts in predominantly Finnish-speaking areas. During
5060-598: The Novice Moves in the Field test. The Collegiate team level consists of teams with 12-20 Figure skaters who must be enrolled in a college or degree program as full-time students. Skaters must also have passed the Juvenile Moves in the Field test. It is a Varsity Sport at colleges such as Miami University and Adrian College . Many more have developed club-level collegiate teams without varsity status such as
5175-614: The Senior, Junior, and Novice levels (with Senior being the most elite). The International Skating Union held the first official World Synchronized Skating Championships (WSSC) in 2000 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The top Junior teams from around the world competed from 2001 to 2012 at the ISU Junior World Challenge Cup (JWCC), held in a different location every year. The JWCC were accompanied in 2013 by
5290-581: The Soviet Union as part of bilateral trade . In 1950, 46% of Finnish workers were employed in agriculture and a third lived in urban areas, but new jobs in manufacturing, services and trade quickly attracted people to the cities. The average number of births per woman fell from a baby boom peak of 3.5 in 1947 to 1.5 in 1973. As the baby boomers entered the workforce, the economy failed to create jobs fast enough and hundreds of thousands emigrated to more industrialised Sweden, with emigration peaking in 1969 and 1970. Finland participated in trade liberalisation in
5405-460: The Soviet Union, and a global economic downturn caused a deep recession in Finland in the early 1990s . The recession bottomed out in 1993 and Finland enjoyed more than a decade of steady economic growth. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Finland began to integrate more closely with the West. Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and the euro zone in 1999. Much of the economic growth of
5520-565: The Soviet Union, which was crucial to his continued popularity. In politics, there was a tendency to avoid any policy or statement that could be interpreted as anti-Soviet. This phenomenon was dubbed " Finlandisation " by the West German press. A market economy was maintained in Finland. Various industries benefited from trade privileges with the Soviets. Economic growth was rapid in the post-war period, and by 1975 Finland's GDP per capita
5635-585: The WSSC. Team Finland 2 at the WSSC was the team which earned the fewest points from the first qualifier, the second qualifier and the Finnish Championships. The points equaled the sum of the positions at the three competitions with growing coefficients: the coefficient was 0,3 for the first competition result, 0,5 for the second and 1 for the last. In the United States , there are several other recognized age and skill levels. Sanctioned by
5750-450: The ancient edge of the glacier once lay. Among the biggest of these are the three Salpausselkä ridges that run across southern Finland. Having been compressed under the enormous weight of the glaciers, terrain in Finland is rising due to the post-glacial rebound . The effect is strongest around the Gulf of Bothnia, where land steadily rises about 1 cm (0.4 in) a year. As a result,
5865-902: The article for the Junior World Championships ) 2014 [REDACTED] Neuchâtel, Switzerland [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 173.77 56.96 116.81 [REDACTED] Les Suprêmes 170.89 54.71 116.18 [REDACTED] Musketeers 167.63 54.53 113.10 2015 ( not held, see the article for the Junior World Championships ) 2016 [REDACTED] Zagreb, Croatia [REDACTED] Les Suprêmes 179.44 63.71 115.73 [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 172.91 61.11 111.80 [REDACTED] Spartak Junost' 169.93 62.02 107.91 References [ edit ] ^ "ISU OKs vocal music, awards 2015 championships" . Ice Network. 2012-06-18. Archived from
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#17327874251545980-749: The beginning of the war to govern Finland after Soviet conquest. There was widespread international condemnation of the unprovoked attack and it led to the Soviet Union being expelled from the League of Nations . The Red Army was defeated in numerous battles, most notably the Battle of Suomussalmi . After two months of negligible progress on the battlefield, as well as heavy losses in men and material, Soviet forces began to advance in February and reached Vyborg ( Finnish : Viipuri ) in March. The Moscow Peace Treaty
6095-451: The center of the wheel. The difficulty of the wheel can be increased by adding footwork, changing the rotational direction of the wheel, configuration of the wheel, or traveling. Traveling is difficult because a lot of the time teams will get called for "assisting the travel" which occurs when a team member (usually towards the center) is doing footwork that is not around the center point that is being traveled, but rather they cut through it on
6210-454: The coastal areas such as Helsinki, snow often covers the land from late December to late March. Even in the south, the harshest winter nights can see the temperatures fall to −30 °C (−22 °F) although on coastal areas like Helsinki, temperatures below −30 °C (−22 °F) are rare. Climatic summers (when mean daily temperature remains above 10 °C or 50 °F) in southern Finland last from about late May to mid-September, and in
6325-451: 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. In the United States, the introductory levels of Aspire Beginner, Aspire Pre-Preliminary, Aspire Preliminary, Open Junior, Open Collegiate, Open Adult, and Open Masters are still judged under the 6.0 judging system. These levels can compete at
6440-402: The decade. Sauli Niinistö was elected President of Finland from 2012 until 2024, when Alexander Stubb took over. Finnish support for NATO rose sharply after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 . Before February 2022, opinion polls showed a narrow but decisive majority against NATO membership; by April, a supermajority was in favour of membership. On 11 May 2022, Finland signed
6555-541: The eighth and ninth centuries. Main exports from Finland were furs, slaves, castoreum , and falcons to European courts. Imports included silk and other fabrics, jewelry, Ulfberht swords , and, in lesser extent, glass. Production of iron started approximately in 500 BC. At the end of the ninth century, indigenous artefact culture, especially weapons and women's jewelry, had more common local features than ever before. This has been interpreted to be expressing common Finnish identity. An early form of Finnic languages spread to
6670-435: The emblem of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation. A third of Finland's land area originally consisted of moorland , about half of this area has been drained for cultivation over the past centuries. The main factor influencing Finland's climate is the country's geographical position between the 60th and 70th northern parallels in the Eurasian continent's coastal zone. In the Köppen climate classification ,
6785-442: The entire ice surface. The lines should be straight and evenly spaced. To increase the difficulty of the block teams can add step sequences, pivot the block, or change the configuration. There are many different ways to complete this element. Teae circle, multiple circles, a circle within a circle, interlocked circles, or a disconnected circle. The circle should be evenly spaced between the sand variations, skaters and should form
6900-1208: The field Besti squat Cantilever Hydroblading Ina Bauer Spiral Spread eagle Professional skating Ice shows Ice theatre World Professional Figure Skating Championships Other Adult figure skating Doping in figure skating Country changes Grand Slam Kiss and cry World Figure Skating Hall of Fame World Figure Sport Society Lists Figure skaters (men) Figure skaters (women) Figure skaters (pairs) Figure skaters (ice dance) Olympic venues Competitions Highest scores Highest historical scores Highest junior scores Highest historical junior scores Film & TV Blades of Glory The Cutting Edge Ice Princess Spinning Out Yuri on Ice Zero Chill [REDACTED] Category [REDACTED] Commons Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ISU_Junior_World_Challenge_Cup&oldid=1259847079 " Category : Synchronized skating competitions Hidden categories: Articles with short description Short description
7015-405: The first bronze artefacts to the region and possibly also the Finno-Ugric languages . Commercial contacts that had so far mostly been to Estonia started to extend to Scandinavia. Domestic manufacture of bronze artefacts started 1300 BC. In the Iron Age , population grew. Finland Proper was the most densely populated area. Commercial contacts in the Baltic Sea region grew and extended during
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#17327874251547130-418: The first judges' handbook for synchronized skating. 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
7245-403: 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 . In 1974, the ISU published
7360-429: The following year, with the Whites emerging victorious. Finland's status as a republic was confirmed in 1919. During World War II , Finland fought against the Soviet Union in the Winter War and the Continuation War , and later against Nazi Germany in the Lapland War . As a result, it lost parts of its territory but retained its independence and democracy. Finland remained a largely agricultural country until
7475-399: The footwork. The neater the block and the harder the footwork, the more points a team can receive. The no hold element can also be used in circle work, creating a challenging and interesting appeal to a basic circle step sequence. Not only does it make it look interesting, but it adds a level of difficulty. The skaters must keep even spacing while rotating the circle, without the assistance of
7590-421: The geography of Finland is a result of the Ice Age. The glaciers were thicker and lasted longer in Fennoscandia compared with the rest of Europe. The eroding effects have contributed to a mostly flat landscape in Finland, characterized by hills. However, in the northern regions, including areas bordering the Scandinavian Mountains, the terrain features mountainous elevations. At 1,324 metres (4,344 ft), Halti
7705-423: The health and well-being of the athletes and members. 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
7820-429: 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
7935-447: The inland, the warmest days of July can reach over 35 °C (95 °F). Although most of Finland lies on the taiga belt, the southernmost coastal regions are sometimes classified as hemiboreal . In northern Finland, particularly in Lapland, the winters are long and cold, while the summers are relatively warm but short. On the most severe winter days in Lapland can see the temperature fall to −45 °C (−49 °F). The winter of
8050-740: The international level. As of 2022, there are more than 600 synchro teams in United States alone. 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 requiring elements such as circles, lines, blocks, wheels, intersections, no holds, and lifts at higher levels. Teams are required to perform step sequences, ranging in difficulty with each level. There are many different levels including Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Beginner, Pre-juvenile, Open juvenile, Intermediate, Novice, Junior, Senior, and Adult. In
8165-457: The judges. Judges do not have to use their memory to compare all aspects of every skater and figure out where to place them, but simply evaluate the qualities of each performance. Finland – in Europe (green & dark grey) – in the European Union (green) – [ Legend ] Finland , officially the Republic of Finland , is a Nordic country in Northern Europe . It borders Sweden to
8280-472: The late 1990s was fuelled by the success of mobile phone manufacturer Nokia . The Finnish people elected Tarja Halonen in the 2000 Presidential election , making her the first female President of Finland. Her predecessor, President Martti Ahtisaari , later won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008. Financial crises paralysed Finland's exports in 2008, leading to weaker economic growth throughout
8395-523: The latest, around 8,500 BC during the Stone Age towards the end of the last glacial period . The artefacts the first settlers left behind present characteristics that are shared with those found in Estonia , Russia, and Norway. The earliest people were hunter-gatherers , using stone tools. The first pottery appeared in 5200 BC, when the Comb Ceramic culture was introduced. The arrival of
8510-650: The laws passed by the Finnish parliament. The desire for independence gained ground, first among radical liberals and socialists , partly driven by a declaration called the February Manifesto by the last tsar of the Russian Empire, Nicholas II , on 15 February 1899. After the February Revolution of 1917, Finland's position as a Grand Duchy under the rule of the Russian Empire was questioned. The Finnish parliament , controlled by
8625-638: The medal ceremonies, teams gathered on the ice and created the shape of the Olympic rings . This image was then shared over social media as skaters petitioned to raise awareness of the sport. A petition to the International Olympic Committee was posted on change.org calling for 15,000 signatures and asking the IOC "Synchronized Figure Skating: Make it an Olympic Event." The petition states "The time has come to add this incredible event to
8740-446: The moderating effects of the Baltic Sea and numerous inland lakes to explain the unusually warm climate compared with other regions that share the same latitude , such as Alaska , Siberia , and southern Greenland . Winters in southern Finland (when mean daily temperature remains below 0 °C or 32 °F) are usually about 100 days long, and in the inland the snow typically covers the land from about late November to April, and on
8855-547: The north of Lapland. On the southwestern coast, south of the Helsinki- Rauma line, forests are characterized by mixed forests, that are more typical in the Baltic region. In the extreme north of Finland, near the tree line and Arctic Ocean, Montane Birch forests are common. Finland had a 2018 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 5.08/10, ranking it 109th globally out of 172 countries. Similarly, Finland has
8970-529: The northernmost province. The name Suomi ( Finnish for 'Finland') has uncertain origins, but a common etymology with saame (the Sami) has been suggested. In the earliest historical sources, from the 12th and 13th centuries, the term Finland refers to the coastal region around Turku . This region later became known as Finland Proper in distinction from the country name Finland. (See also Etymology of Finns .) The 12th and 13th centuries were
9085-479: The northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bothnia to the west and the Gulf of Finland to the south, opposite Estonia . Finland covers a total area of 338,145 square kilometres (130,559 sq mi), including a land area of 303,815 square kilometres (117,304 sq mi), and has a population of 5.6 million. Helsinki is the capital and largest city. The vast majority of
9200-561: The now-discontinued Black Ice ), as well as the United States with two silvers and five bronzes (for Miami University and Haydenettes ). The Junior World Challenge Cup was held bi-annually starting in 2013 alternating with the newly introduced World Junior Championships until being discontinued after the 2015-16 season. The Finnish member of ISU, the Finnish Figure Skating Association, holds
9315-471: The old sea bottom turns little by little into dry land: the surface area of the country is expanding by about 7 square kilometres (2.7 sq mi) annually. Relatively speaking, Finland is rising from the sea. The landscape is covered mostly by coniferous taiga forests and fens , with little cultivated land. Of the total area, 10% is lakes, rivers, and ponds, and 78% is forest. The forest consists of pine , spruce , birch , and other species. Finland
9430-2266: The original (PDF) on 15 September 2016 . Retrieved 2016-03-24 . v t e Figure skating International Skating Union (ISU) National federations World Standings Records and statistics Competitive skating General Glossary of terms History Figure skate Rink Club Competition Season ISU Judging System 6.0 system Disciplines Single skating Pair skating Ice dance Synchronized skating Four skating Segments Compulsory figures Demise and revival Special figures Short program Free skating Compulsory dance Original dance Rhythm dance Free dance International competitions Singles, pairs and ice dance Olympic Games World Championships European Championships Four Continents Championships Grand Prix ( Final ) Challenger Series World Team Trophy Youth Olympic Games World Junior Championships Junior Grand Prix ( Final ) Synchronized skating World Championships World Junior Championships Junior World Challenge Cup Challenger Series Elements and other moves Required elements Choreographic sequence Death spiral Jumps Lifts Spins Step sequence Twizzle turn Competition elements in ice dance Jumps Axel jump Euler jump Flip jump Loop jump Lutz jump Salchow jump Toe loop jump Quadruple jump Spins Upright spin Layback spin Biellmann spin Sit spin Camel spin Steps, turns and basic strokes Three turn Bracket turn Choctaw turn (S step) Counter turn Crossover Loop turn Mohawk turn (C step) Rocker turn Backflip Moves in
9545-522: The original on 2014-02-28 . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ "2012 Synchronized Skating Media Guide" (PDF) . Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 September 2012 . Retrieved 26 November 2024 . ^ The first scores are for the short program, the second ones for the free skating "Short Program Results" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . "ISU World Challenge Cup Juniors" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ The first scores are for
9660-415: The original on 2018-02-23 . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ "Junior Synchronized Teams ready to compete - International Skating Union" . 2019-05-01. Archived from the original on 2019-05-01 . Retrieved 2019-05-01 . ^ "2001 World Challenge Cup for Juniors/Neuchatel Trophy" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ "Junior Teams" . Tino Eberl. Archived from
9775-460: The pinnacle of the sport of figure skating." Due to the abrupt appearance of COVID-19 , the 2019–2020 season was cut short to ensure safety of all teams. Elite US teams like the Haydenettes , Fond du Lac Blades, and Skyliners were not able to compete internationally due to travel restrictions set in place in late March and early April. The US Figure Skating Association is responsible for
9890-427: The population are ethnic Finns . The official languages are Finnish and Swedish ; 84.9 percent of the population speak the first as their mother tongue and 5.1 percent the latter. Finland's climate varies from humid continental in the south to boreal in the north. The land cover is predominantly boreal forest biome, with more than 180,000 recorded lakes . Finland was first settled around 9000 BC after
10005-486: The population, making it one of the worst famines in European history. The famine led the Russian Empire to relax financial regulations, and investment increased in the following decades. Economic development was rapid. The gross domestic product (GDP) per capita was still half of that of the United States and a third of that of Britain. From 1869 to 1917, the Russian Empire pursued a policy of Russification , which
10120-553: The proportion of the population with capital. About 70% of the workforce was employed in agriculture and 10% in industry. The Soviet Union launched the Winter War on 30 November 1939 to annex Finland in accordance with the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with Nazi Germany to divide Europe into spheres of influence between the two dictatorships. The Finnish Democratic Republic was set up by Joseph Stalin at
10235-517: The proposal of Count Per Brahe in 1640. The Finns reaped a reputation in the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) as a well-trained cavalrymen called " Hakkapeliitta ". Finland suffered a severe famine in 1695–1697 , during which about one third of the Finnish population died, and a devastating plague a few years later . In the 18th century, wars between Sweden and Russia twice led to the occupation of Finland by Russian forces, times known to
10350-607: The publication of what would become Finland's national epic , the Kalevala , in 1835 and the legal equality of the Finnish language with Swedish in 1892. In the spirit of Adolf Ivar Arwidsson - "we are not Swedes, we do not want to become Russians, so let us be Finns" - a Finnish national identity was established. Nevertheless, there was no real independence movement in Finland until the early 20th century. The Finnish famine of 1866–1868 occurred after freezing temperatures in early September devastated crops and killed around 15% of
10465-699: The pull of another skater. This is a free skating move where one figure skater holds on to another. Different types of pairs element include spins, lifts, and pivots such as death spirals. Again, this element is really not a necessity for team skating, but it is seen at the Junior and Senior level. A pairs element can be used to boost skating skills and transition scores. This element is 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. It must include at least three different free skating moves. There are international synchronized skating competitions at
10580-399: The regional level but cannot qualify for the national championships. The basic principle of the 6.0 system is a "majority" system. Each event is judged by an odd number of judges, and the winner of the event is the team placed highest by a majority of these judges. The IJS is based on cumulative points rather than the 6.0 standard of marks and placement. The IJS focuses on the skaters and not
10695-542: The rest are averaged then added to the base value. The sum of all the scores of the elements comprises the Technical Elements score. The judges will award points on a scale from 0.25 to 10 (in increments of 0.25) for three 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
10810-607: 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
10925-586: The right-wing parties and the Social Democratic Party, were deeply divided. The October Revolution in Russia changed the geopolitical situation once again. Suddenly the right-wing parties in Finland began to reconsider their decision to block the transfer of supreme executive power from the Russian government to Finland when the Bolsheviks came to power in Russia. The right-wing government, led by Prime Minister P. E. Svinhufvud , presented
11040-549: The same divisions as those of the USFSA. Teams can compete in the Tot, Jr. Youth, Youth Sr. Youth, Teen, Collegiate, Adult, or Master age groups, in any of five categories: Formation, Advanced Formation, Skating, Open Skating, and Dance. While most skaters participating in synchronized skating are female, the rules allow mixed-gender teams. The Senior team level consists of 16 skaters. Skaters must be at least 15 years old and have passed
11155-430: The scores for all elements forms the technical score. 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
11270-1266: The short program, the second ones for the free skating "ISU World Challenge Cup for Juniors" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . "ISU World Challenge Cup for Juniors" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ The first scores are for the short program, the second ones for the free skating "2007 World Challenge Cup for Juniors" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . "2007 World Challenge Cup for Juniors" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ "JUNIOR SYNCHRONIZED SKATING SHORT PROGRAM" (PDF) . International Skating Union. 2008-03-08 . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ "World Challenge Cup for Juniors 2009" (PDF) . International Skating Union. 2009-03-14 . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ "Junior World Challenge Cup 2010" (PDF) . International Skating Union. 2010-03-13 . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ "ISU Junior World Challenge Cup 2011" (PDF) . International Skating Union. 2011-03-12 . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ "Synchronized Skating Junior World Challenge Cup 2012" (PDF) . International Skating Union. 2012-03-17 . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ The first scores are for
11385-625: The short program, the second ones for the free skating "WORLD CHALLENGE CUP FOR JUNIORS 2004" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . "World Challenge Cup for Juniors 2004" . U.S. Figure Skating. Archived from the original on 2013-12-13 . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ The first scores are for the short program, the second ones for the free skating "ISU World Challenge Cup for Juniors" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . "ISU World Challenge Cup for Juniors" . U.S. Figure Skating . Retrieved 2014-02-24 . ^ The first scores are for
11500-422: The short program, the second ones for the free skating: "Junior World Challenge Cup 2014" . International Skating Union. 2014-03-07 . Retrieved 2014-03-08 . "Junior World Challenge Cup 2014" . International Skating Union. 2014-03-08 . Retrieved 2014-03-08 . ^ "Synchronized Skating Junior World Challenge Cup 2016" (PDF) . International Skating Union. 2016-03-12. Archived from
11615-459: The so-called second crusade to Finland , in 1249 against Tavastians and the third crusade to Finland in 1293 against the Karelians. The so-called first crusade to Finland , possibly in 1155, most likely never occurred. As a result of the crusades (mostly with the second crusade led by Birger Jarl ) and the colonization of some Finnish coastal areas with Christian Swedish population during
11730-530: The summer of 1944 led to a breakthrough until the Finns finally repulsed it at Tali-Ihantala . This partial Soviet success led to a stalemate and later an armistice . This was followed by the Lapland War of 1944–1945, when Finland fought retreating German forces in northern Finland. The Armistice and treaty signed with the Soviet Union in 1944 and 1948 included Finnish obligations, restraints, and reparations, as well as further territorial concessions. As
11845-529: The team at The University of Delaware and the University of Michigan . The Miami University Synchronized Skating Team has been a trailblazer in collegiate synchronized skating, fielding the first completely funded varsity synchronized skating program in the United States, as well as working towards gaining "Synchro" NCAA status in the United States. The Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships were annual synchronized skating events, sanctioned by
11960-485: The war as the only European country to have taken part in hostilities that was never occupied and managed to preserve its democracy throughout. For a few decades after 1944, the Communists were a strong political party. Furthermore, the Soviet Union persuaded Finland to refuse Marshall Plan aid. However, in the hope of preserving Finland's independence, the United States provided secret development aid and supported
12075-501: The white government continued in exile in Vaasa . This led to a short but bitter civil war . The Whites , backed by Imperial Germany , prevailed over the Reds and their self-proclaimed Finnish Socialist Workers' Republic . After the war, tens of thousands of Reds were interned in camps where thousands were executed or died of malnutrition and disease. A deep social and political enmity
12190-539: The whole of Finland lies in the boreal zone , characterized by warm summers and freezing winters. Within the country, the temperateness varies considerably between the southern coastal regions and the extreme north, showing characteristics of both a maritime and a continental climate . Finland is near enough to the Atlantic Ocean to be continuously warmed by the Gulf Stream . The Gulf Stream combines with
12305-452: Was established in 1920 by the Treaty of Tartu , which largely followed the historical border but gave Finland Pechenga ( Finnish : Petsamo ) and its Barents Sea port. Finnish democracy survived Soviet coup attempts and the anti-communist Lapua movement . In 1917 there were three million people in the country. After the civil war, a credit-based land reform was introduced, increasing
12420-477: 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. An element where the skaters are lined up in three to five, separate parallel lines. The block should travel over
12535-726: Was selected to be part of the Universiade or World University Games as a demonstration sport. Teams from several countries competed in Turin , Italy with Sweden, Finland, and Russia coming out on top. "Why Not Synchro" is an ongoing campaign on social media through the hashtag #whynotsynchro and #whynotsynchro2018 on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram . This was popularized at the Mozart Cup, held in Austria in January 2014. During
12650-631: Was signed on 12 March 1940, and the war ended the following day. Finland had defended its independence, but ceded 9% of its territory to the Soviet Union. Hostilities resumed in June 1941 with the Continuation War , when Finland allied itself with Germany following the latter's invasion of the Soviet Union ; the main aim was to regain the territory lost to the Soviets barely a year earlier. Finnish troops occupied Eastern Karelia from 1941 to 1944. The massive Soviet Vyborg-Petrozavodsk offensive in
12765-580: Was sown between the Reds and the Whites that would last until the Winter War and beyond. The civil war and the activist expeditions to Soviet Russia in 1918–1920, known as the " Kinship Wars ", strained relations with the East. After a brief experiment with monarchy , when an attempt to make Prince Frederick Charles of Hesse the king of Finland failed, a republican constitution was adopted and Finland became
12880-496: Was still widely spoken, the Finnish language began to gain recognition during this period. From the 1860s, a strong Finnish nationalist movement , known as the Fennoman movement , grew. One of the movement's most prominent leaders was the philosopher and politician J.V. Snellman , who worked to stabilise the status of the Finnish language and its own currency, the Finnish markka , in the Grand Duchy of Finland. Milestones included
12995-411: Was suspended between 1905 and 1908. In 1906, universal suffrage was introduced in the Grand Duchy of Finland. However, relations between the Grand Duchy of Finland and the Russian Empire soured when the Russian government began to take steps to restrict Finland's special status and autonomy. For example, universal suffrage was virtually meaningless in practice, as the tsar did not have to approve any of
13110-597: Was the 15th highest in the world. During the 1970s and 1980s, Finland built one of the most extensive welfare states in the world. Finland negotiated a treaty with the European Economic Community (EEC, a forerunner of the European Union) that largely eliminated tariffs with the EEC from 1977. Miscalculated macroeconomic decisions, a banking crisis , the collapse of its largest trading partner,
13225-3609: Was to be held in odd-numbered years, the event was held bi-annually in even-numbered years. However, because the World Junior Championships have been held annually since 2017, the last ISU Junior World Challenge Cup took place in 2016. Medalists [ edit ] Medalists Year Location Gold Total SP FS Silver Total SP FS Bronze Total SP FS Source(s) 2001 [REDACTED] Neuchâtel, Switzerland [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 2.5 1.5 1.0 [REDACTED] Les Suprêmes 2.5 0.5 2.0 [REDACTED] Superettes 4.0 1.0 3.0 2002 [REDACTED] Zagreb, Croatia [REDACTED] Ice Image 1.5 0.5 1.0 [REDACTED] Spartak Leader 4.5 2.5 2.0 [REDACTED] Musketeers 5.5 1.5 4.0 2003 [REDACTED] Kungsbacka, Sweden [REDACTED] Musketeers 1.5 0.5 1.0 [REDACTED] Burlington Ice Image 3.0 1.0 2.0 [REDACTED] Les Suprêmes 4.5 1.5 3.0 2004 [REDACTED] Milan, Italy [REDACTED] Musketeers 1.5 0.5 1.0 [REDACTED] Team Mystique 3.5 1.5 2.0 [REDACTED] Gold Ice 4.0 1.0 3.0 2005 [REDACTED] Neuchâtel, Switzerland [REDACTED] Musketeers 150.93 55.95 95.58 [REDACTED] Team Mystique 148.07 52.11 96.56 [REDACTED] Gold Ice 138.60 50.89 88.31 2006 [REDACTED] Helsinki, Finland [REDACTED] Musketeers 141.61 49.77 91.84 [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 135.66 43.42 92.24 [REDACTED] Chicago Jazz 123.08 39.69 83.39 2007 [REDACTED] Nottingham, Great Britain [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 162.08 61.92 100.16 [REDACTED] Les Suprêmes 159.22 60.70 98.52 [REDACTED] Chicago Jazz 150.32 56.82 93.50 2008 [REDACTED] Rouen, France [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 181.18 68.63 112.55 [REDACTED] Gold Ice 161.57 61.73 99.84 [REDACTED] Musketeers 160.01 64.37 95.64 2009 [REDACTED] Neuchâtel, Switzerland [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 186.88 72.07 114.81 [REDACTED] NEXXICE 184.32 70.38 113.94 [REDACTED] Musketeers 176.57 68.52 108.05 2010 [REDACTED] Gothenburg, Sweden [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 192.63 75.40 117.23 [REDACTED] NEXXICE 181.99 70.10 111.89 [REDACTED] Musketeers 178.82 66.88 111.94 2011 [REDACTED] Neuchâtel, Switzerland [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 176.61 59.52 117.09 [REDACTED] Musketeers 175.77 61.79 113.98 [REDACTED] Team Braemar 172.48 56.02 116.46 2012 [REDACTED] Gothenburg, Sweden [REDACTED] Team Fintastic 171.67 55.90 115.77 [REDACTED] Musketeers 168.76 54.04 114.72 [REDACTED] Les Suprêmes 146.30 48.64 97.66 2013 ( not held, see
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