The Four Continents Championships:
The four continents included in the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships are North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
History of the Four Continents Championships:
For many years, there has been a European Figure Skating Championship, so it was decided by the International Skating Union to hold a similar event for all other countries outside of Europe.
First Four Continents Competition:
The Four Continents Championships first began in 1999. The event took place in Halifax, Canada.
Participating Countries:
Countries that have taken part in the Four Continents Championships include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, South Africa, United States, and Uzbekistan.
Locations:
- 1999 - Halifax, Canada
- 2000 - Osaka, Japan
- 2001 - Salt Lake City, United States
- 2002 - Jeonju, South Korea
- 2003 - Beijing, China
- 2004 - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- 2005 - Gangneung, South Korea
- 2006 - Colorado Springs, USA
- 2007 - Colorado Springs, USA
Winners:
Winners of the Four Continents Championships have included
Evan Lysacek,
Jeffrey Buttle, Elvis Stojko, Fumie Suguri,
Katy Taylor,
Rena Inoue and John Baldwin,
Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon,
Kimmie Meissner, and
Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto.
Selection of Athletes:
Each country decides individually on which skaters to send to compete in the Four Continents Championships. Three competitors from each country can compete in each figure skating discipline.
Age Requirement:
All competitors competing in the Four Continents Championships must be older than fifteen years of age.
Prize Money:
Prize money is awarded to Four Continents competitors who place from 1st place to 12th place. First place finishers in the
singles events are awarded $15,000 and first place couples in
pairs or
ice dance events share $22,500.
