{"id":1915,"date":"2025-03-20T16:23:02","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T13:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vsaworld.com\/blog\/?p=1915"},"modified":"2025-03-20T16:23:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T13:23:03","slug":"superstitions-in-figure-skating-rituals-on-ice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vsaworld.com\/blog\/superstitions-in-figure-skating-rituals-on-ice\/","title":{"rendered":"Superstitions in Figure Skating: Rituals on Ice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ilia Malinin \u00a9 Instagram \/ ilia_quadgOd_malinin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure skaters dazzle with spins and jumps, but behind the blades, superstitions swirl like a well-timed spiral. From lucky charms to rink-side rites, these quirks aren\u2019t just for fun\u2014they\u2019re a mental edge in a sport where precision meets pressure. Here\u2019s a glide into the superstitions skaters live by and the science suggesting they\u2019re more than whims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-Performance Potions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Skaters guard their pre-skate rituals like triple Axels. Many swear by \u201cmerde\u201d\u2014the ballet-borrowed good-luck phrase\u2014whispered backstage to dodge a jinx; \u201cgood luck\u201d is a curse in this world. A 2023 Figure Skating Insider<\/em> poll found 70% of pros have a must-do: tying laces left-then-right, eating a specific snack (think almonds for focus), or tapping their blades twice. \u201cI kiss my skate guards before every program,\u201d says U.S. skater Amber Glenn. \u201cIt\u2019s my calm-down trick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costume and Charm Lore<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Costumes carry magic\u2014or mischief. Some skaters won\u2019t mend a torn seam before a debut, believing it \u201cholds the performance\u2019s spirit.\u201d Others sew tiny charms\u2014like stars or initials\u2014into hems for luck. Reigning world champ Ilia Malinin sticks to the same socks from his first big win: \u201cThey\u2019ve got the mojo.\u201d Blade covers often double as talismans, with skaters refusing to swap them mid-season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rink Rules and Taboos<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The ice is sacred, and skaters tread carefully\u2014figuratively. Whistling near the rink? Forbidden\u2014old theater lore ties it to dropping scenery, and skaters fear it summons falls. Stepping onto the ice with the left foot first is bad luck for some; right-footers swear it aligns their flow. Saying \u201clast practice\u201d is a no-no\u2014call it \u201cfinal run\u201d to keep the fates friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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