Definition: The "Taryn" is a figure skating move invented by a southern California figure skater named Taryn Horchek. Taryn has had years of ballet training, and took some of what she knew from ballet to the ice.
The Taryn" can be done either as a long backward glide or in a back spin. The skater pulls the extended free leg completely vertical up to the head and is in a complete split. The move involves much flexibility.
How the "Taryn" Came About:
Taryn Horchek's coach, Mary Becktell, shares the following about how the "Taryn" came about:
- While working on Taryn's program, Taryn suggested a position which I'd never seen before. She was able to do the position in a spiral position or in a back spin. Since the position had no name, we began to refer to it as the "Taryn." One day, Caroline Zhang was at the rink and saw it.
About a month later, Caroline was skating an exhibition and didn't want to do her double Axel, so she decided to throw in the "Taryn" in place of it. That performance was televised and received a lot of attention.
When Caroline returned home, I told her how well I thought she'd skated. All she could say was, "I hope Taryn's not mad at me for using her position, I couldn't think of what else to do."
Examples: 2007 World Junior Figure Skating Champion, Caroline Zhang is known for her great flexibity. The "Taryn" has become one of her trademark moves.
