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Qualities of Top National Figure Skating Competitors by Ryan Jahnke

By , About.com Guide

2003 U.S. Men's Bronze Medalist and U.S. Figure Skating World Team Member, Ryan Jahnke, is now coaching young figure skaters. He teaches a weekly, "Train Your Brain" class to his young students. They studied top skaters in Novice, Junior, and Senior events at the 2008 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships. As a group, they came up with a list of qualities that almost all national competitors have in common.

1. Great body line

Ryan Jahnke Skates With Great Form and Body LinePhoto by Matthew Stockman - Getty Images

2. Flow in, out, and between elements

Ryan Jahnke skates with great speed and flowPhoto by Leah Adams - http://www.leahadams.com/

3. Outstanding landing positions with high free leg

Ryan Jahnke - 2003 US Men's Figure Skating Bronze Medalist Photo by Leah Adams - http://www.leahadams.com/

4. Above average spin positions, speed, and centering

Ryan Jahnke does an above average spin position with speed and centering Photo by Matthew Stockman - Getty Images

5. Speed throughout program

Ryan Jahnke - 2003 US Men's Figure Skating Bronze Medalist Photo by Leah Adams - http://www.leahadams.com/

6. Big sharp movements

Ryan Jahnke - 2003 US Men's Figure Skating Bronze MedalistPhoto by Leah Adams - http://www.leahadams.com/

7. Physical and facial expressions

Ryan Jahnke skates with physical and facial expressionsPhoto by Matthew Stockman - Getty Images

8. Pushing hard

Ryan Jahnke pushes hard as he performsPhoto by Matthew Stockman - Getty Images

9. High jumps

Ryan Jahnke does a very high triple jumpPhoto by Doug Pensinger - Getty Images

10. Fast footwork

Ryan Jahnke does fast footworkPhoto by Matthew Stockman - Getty Images

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