I was talking to a figure skating coach I know who mentioned to me that he feels that most people involved with figure skating will vote as Republicans. He is a Democrat and finds himself almost alone in the figure skating world. This got me thinking that it might be fun to find out if what he believes may be true. Cast your vote! Are you a Republican, Democrat, or Other?

• Join the Discussion - Are Most People Involved With Figure Skating Republicans?
• What Happens When Politics and Figure Skating Mix? - From Golden Skate Forums

_{Olympic Figure Skating Champions Scott Hamilton, Dorothy Hamill, and Peggy Fleming - Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images}

More About Scott Hamilton, Dorothy Hamill, and Peggy Fleming:

• 1984 Olympic Figure Skating Champion Scott Hamilton
• 1976 Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill
• 1968 Olympic Figure Skating Champion Peggy Fleming

Last night, I went to see the 2008 World Tour of Gymnastics Superstars. It was great fun. As I watched, I thought about all the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication that must have taken place for those athletes to be there. There are just so many similarities between figure skating and gymnastics.

_{Qing Pang and Jian Tong of China Show the Similarities Between Figure Skating and Gymnastics - Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images}

If you saw the figure skating movie "Ice Princess," you may recall that the movie's heroine competed in "Regionals." Regional figure skating competitions usually take place in October of each year. The top skaters that place in Regionals qualify for sectional and national figure skating events.

Figure skaters train all year long to prepare for regional competitions. Costumes are designed, programs are choreographed, and tests are passed. Many ice skaters will not qualify for sectional or national figure skating competitions, but qualifying for Regionals is an accomplishment in itself.

• What Is Regionals?
• What is the Figure Skating Competition Season?
• U.S. Figure Skating Regional Map
• How to Qualify for Regionals by Jo Ann Schneider Farris, From the U.S. Figure Skating Parents Page

_{A Figure Skater Competes at Regionals - Photo Copyright © JO ANN Schneider Farris}