Why Can't Figure Skaters Earn Multiple Olympic Medals?

Gymnasts, swimmers, divers, and runners have oportunities to enter mutiple events at the Olympics, but figure skaters don't have that chance. Wouldn't it be nice if single and pair skaters could receive separate awards for the short program and the free skate? There could also be an all-around or combined figure skating champion. Ice dancers could receive medals for the compulsory dance portion, the original dance, and the free dance. Perhaps individual jump or spin events could also be added? Team events, similar to gymnastiic team events, might make things more interesting. And....why can't the Olympics include synchronized skating events?

Gymnasts perform one vault and win an Olympic gold medal. Swimmers, divers, and runners have opportunities to win multiple medals. Figure skaters just have it so much harder. Why?

• Join the Discussion - Should figure skaters be given the opportunity to win multiple medals at the Olympics?

_{Sasha Cohen's Olympic Medal - Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images}