It means a skater is really good when he or she comes in first when competing against the book. If a skater places second to the book, there are some things to improve.
In ISI events, if there is no one to compete against in an event, the skater competes "against THE BOOK," which is the standard set in the ISI Rulebook.
A Skater Comes in Second to THE BOOK
Painting Courtesy of Larisa GendernalikFigure Skating Competitions
What is Competing Against the Book?Placing Second to a Book?
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