W35W Behind the Scores: Decoding Olympic Figure Skating (Hybrid/In-Person)
In-Person | Registration opens 12/16/2025 10:00 AM EST
[NEW COURSE] Ever wonder why one skater scores higher than another—or how someone can fall and still win gold? This course unpacks the mystery behind figure skating’s beauty, strategy, and controversy. We’ll explore how the judging system evolved from the beloved “6.0” to today’s complex International Judging System and what those numbers really reflect. You’ll learn how to recognize differences in program difficulty, what to listen for from commentators, and how choreography, artistry, and risk-taking all play into the results. We’ll also look at the ongoing impact of Russian doping scandals as well as how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—and its subsequent ban from international competition—continues to shape the sport’s global landscape. As we look ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, we’ll examine who to watch, how the Team Event works, and which countries are emerging as new powerhouses. Whether you’re a casual Olympic viewer or lifelong fan, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of what’s really happening—both on and off the ice—behind the scores. Audio/Visual, Discussion, Lecture
Jamie Orlandi
Like many people, Jamie Orlandi grew up a casual figure-skating fan, but she became an avid one after the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Since then she’s spent countless hours watching, reading, and attending live events from US Nationals to the World Championships. Jamie enjoys sharing figure skating with others—explaining not just the jumps and scoring, but the intrigue behind it: the coaches, choreographers, federations, and judging politics that shape every result. Her other interests include classical music, baseball, classic TV, and local history.