One outfit, a feathered blue number worn by East Germany's Katarina Witt at the 1988 Olympic games (pictured below), was deemed too scandalous by the International Skating Union. In 1994, after the absolute blockbuster chaos of the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan story, figure skating was riding an all-time high in the zeitgeist of American culture. And hey, if you have an extra $7.50 USD lying around, you can always head on over to eBay and grab yourself a Katarina Witt action figure. The American skater during the Winter Olympics skating competition in 1976 in Innsbruck, Austria. As the years progressed, figure skating fashion evolved both men and women's costumes got shorter, more embellished, and more dramatic. Now, the IOC only wants to monetize on these clips.Katarina Witt of the German Democratic Republic placed 2nd in the portion of the competition. That is how serious it is. Collect, curate and comment on your files. South Korean pairs team Tae Hwa Yang (in a fringed zebra-print dress with side cut-outs) and Chuen Gun Lee (in black) at the 2002 Olympics. And then you wait for CBS to call and say two magical words: Ice Wars.. Real good. Both of these hardcore costume bans were lifted in 2003, and since then, the ISU has kept the Olympic figure skating dress code rules relatively subjective at least for women. For all its glamour, figure skating is one of the toughest sports to master. Michelle Kwan opted for an understated lilac velvet spaghetti-strap dress (which was super on-trend at the time) when she won silver at the 1998 Winter Olympics, a stark contrast to the ruffles and bedazzled outfits of her competitive counterparts. Also, the costume needs to be exactly what it should be for that particular skater, and that particular program. Including some of the best from the games in Beijing. Brian Boitano of the United States in a billowing, V-neck blouse and skintight pants at the 1988 Olympics. Katarina Witt's infamous blue dress at the 1988 Olympics is the reason figure skating now has a dress code. Albright of the United States displaying her grace and technique during her free skating program at the 1956 Winter Olympics. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Gold medalist at the 1956 Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy, Tenley Albright wore a dress with a panel-pleated skirt. Canada's Joannie Rochette in the ladies figure skating event at the 2010 Winter Olympics at Pacific Coliseum on Feb. 23, 2010, in Vancouver, Canada. "[Men] can wear a tapered pant, but if it is a tight, that's a reduction in your score," two-time Olympian Johnny Weir told Cosmopolitan. Sign up here to get INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox. has collaborated with many Olympic figure skaters, Olympic bronze medalist and two-time national champion. We're not really sure why people have been complaining. The following is Rule 501 in the [ISU Special Regulations & Technical Rules handbook, last updated in 2016: In short, women's costumes don't have to follow a specific formula. The International Skating Union now stipulates, that the clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. However, clothing may reflect the character of the music. It takes grit, stamina and a willingness to throw yourself onto a slab of solid ice over and over again and look beautiful while doing it. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The so-called "Katarina rule" required female skaters to cover their "hips and posterior," and was instituted thanks to Katarina Witt's racy costume at the 1988 games. South Korea's Yuna Kim performs in the Ladies' Free skating program at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, during the 2010 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 2010. as well as other partner offers and accept our, If youre going for strapless, it's nice to have that nude in there, to make everything stay," he told, NOW WATCH: A dog owner built custom ice skates for her pup and taught him how to skate, costumes were designed with the cold weather in mind. Witt, a German double Olympic gold medal-winning skater, was said to be upset over the criticism about her low-cut outfits. Christopher Morris - Corbis via Getty Images, competed in a skirt with a comparatively short hemline, lower necklines were making their way onto the ice, womens hips, midriffs and buttocks had to be covered with a skirt. Witt was a high-profile sporting star and landed tv and film cameo roles. Norwegian skater Sonja Henie in a knee-length, long-sleeve silk dress in 1932. American skater and bronze medalist Debi Thomas decided to forgo a dress at the Calgary Olympics, instead opting to perform her routine in an embellished jumpsuit instead. Basically, the flesh colored panels make itseem like skaters are showing a lot of skin, without actually showing any and thus breaking the rules. Wittjust like the states of Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in the 2020 electionrefused him, leading Trump to add Witt to a grudge list of women who declined to date him. Like the Adele of figure skaters, if youre imagining that Adele picture where shes holding 1,400 Grammy Awards. The Russian skater performing in the women's free program of the figure skating event at the Olympic Ice Center, Feb. 21, 2002, during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Sumners won the silver medal in the event. Yes, most competitors stick to the glitzy, skirted bodysuit situations that our brains automatically associate with figure skating but over the years, many have put variations on the classics. 55 Outdoor Date Ideas You Won't Actually Hate, Turns Out, We're All Really Pissed About Money, The Very Best High-Waisted Jeans on the Internet, 30 Spring Cocktails to Shake Up This Weekend, 39 of the Best Bubble Butts, Bulges, and VPLs From the Rio Olympics. As the New York Times recently noted, two-time gold medalist Katarina Witt has written about how, in 1987, her costume slipped during a competition and she was forced to finish the routine with. Which Olympic Figure Skaters Are Actually Dating? (in a fringed zebra-print dress with side cut-outs) and Chuen Gun Lee (in black . That rule was overturned in the early 2000s, bringing back the pants. A post shared by Time traveler she/her (@radiantlydead), A post shared by Jim Botticelli (@dirtyoldboston), A post shared by 90s figure skating icons (@90sfigureskating), A post shared by Margarita Voronkovskaya (@zhem_chug), A post shared by HARERUYA (@azayakanablue), A post shared by Figure Skating Photographer (@figureskatingphotographer), A post shared by Emily (@timelady12345678), A post shared by Figure skating lover (@figure.skating.aesthetics), A post shared by Kamila Valieva (@kamilavalieva26), A post shared by (@chernyshenko_sasha_fs), A post shared by Eric Celrosu (@eric_celrosu), A post shared by Alina and Sasha forever (@zagi_trusova_team), A post shared by Bradie Tennell (@bradietennell), A post shared by (lime)2020.03.31am6:13 (@sunshine_see1), A post shared by Evgenia Medvedev (@jmedvedevaj), A post shared by Mariah Bell Fan (@teammariahbell), A post shared by Figure Skating Fans (@em_kc_mh_mb_fanpage), A post shared by Amber Glenn (@amberglenniceskater), A post shared by Alysa Liu Fan Account (@team_alysaliu), A post shared by Vogue Australia (@vogueaustralia), A post shared by Feeling | Mathieu Caron (@feelingmathieucaron). 100+ Years of Olympic Opening Ceremony Highlights. Dubravcic, representing Yugoslavia, skating her long program during the Winter Olympics on Feb. 18, 1984, in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. The American skater performing during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Katarina Witt of the German Democratic Republic placed 2nd in the portion of the competition. The Women Skating for Team USA at the Olympics, This Vermont Family Is an Olympic Skiing Dynasty, Princess Anne's Message to British Olympians, 11 Royals Who Have Competed in the Olympics, Simone Biles Reflects On Withdrawal From Tokyo, Meet Some of Team USA's Track and Field Stars, Bruce Springsteens Daughter Wins Silver Medal, 33 Famous Ice Skating Outfits Worthy of Their Very Own Gold Medal. The American athlete skating her short program at the 1988 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1988, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The American skater competing in the ladies free program during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games at the Salt Lake Ice Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. A Canadian coach called it practically a g-string (one has to wonder if this Canadian coach ever saw a g-string), and even Dr. Ruth was contacted by Reuters to comment on the dress. I'd be walking through an airport and I'd see someone with the issue of Playboy in their hands, and they'd see me, and their eyes would go right to my chest. Decades later, the niece of outgoing President Donald Trump would write that her uncle also noticed Katarina Witt, but hated her because Witt rebuffed his advances. Performing during the ladies short program as part of the figure skating team event at the 2018 Winter Olympics at the Gangneung Ice Arena. And the lyrics are Susan Powter-level inspiration: Just take the mirror and hold up highLook at yourself straight in the eyeYour moment of truth has finally arrivedSkate with me skate with meWe dont need tomorrow, no cause youll be far away Skate with me skate with meIf your heart says follow go and you can come along and skate with me. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Sasha Cohen wowed the crowd at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games in a red dress with sunburst yellow and orange hemline. Her red dress with a sheer chest panel at the 1988 Olympics abided by the Katarina Rule. Bonaly finished in fifth place. Norwegian figure skater Sonja Henie wore a playful long sleeve black dress and beret for her routine at the Olympic Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, for which she won her third gold medal. The rule was repealed . Meet Ma-Brnice Mit, an Olympic Figure Skater from France.- Dark skinned black woman- Wore pants for her routine- Skated to BeyoncHAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackGirlMagic #BlackExcellence #ItsTooColdForSkirtsOutThere pic.twitter.com/jYkEGqbkup, how she scored is irrelevant; Ma-Brnice Mit skating to a Beyonce mashup in pants is my new queen and 2018 mood #Olympics, I love everything about Ma-Brnice Mit's outfit. The Russian skater during the ladies singles figure skating short program at the Sochi Winter Olympics, 2014. Its free! The American skater competing in the ladies singles figure skating event at the 1992 Winter Olympic Games held in Albertville, France, on Feb. 21, 1992. Thus was born Ice Wars: The USA vs. In this interview, we will delve into what makes Dinamo []. Kerrigan, of the U.S., performing at the 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, where she won the silver medal. 1988: Katarina Witt Although it looks relatively tame today, this was the look heard around the figure skating world. The regulation dictated that it was mandatory for women to wear a skirt that covered their hips and butt, and also required that women covered their midriffs. According to the NBC Olympics page, Ladies in singles and pairs can wear a skirt, pants or tights. However, that wasnt always the rule. Katarina Witt's blue costume caused a stir. Not even mad about this first two jumps. Kristi Yamaguchi opted for a long sleeved gold brocade dress for the Olympic Games in Albertville, France the year she took home the gold medal. SI Staff Dec 2, 2015 Rare Photos of. "If youre going for strapless, it's nice to have that nude in there, to make everything stay," he told Slate,suggesting that flesh-colored panels help ensure modesty, but also a better, more flexible fit. Austrian skater Karl Shafer in a belted suit and tapered pants at the Olympics in 1936. Her response? I had a few judges question it but, after a year of wearing it I still never received any costume violations.". Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Without giving too much away, lets just say that if you like your double toe-loops with a dose of snipers and car chases, this movies for you. Performing in the ladies singles figure skating event at the 1988 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1988, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. American skater Hayes Alan Jenkins in a chunky sweater and pants at the 1956 Olympics. A figure skater born in an authoritarian state who got scolded by Dr. Ruth, won 2 gold medals AND an Emmy, rebuffed a gross pick-up line from Donald Trump, caused Playboy magazines to soar off the shelves, starred in a movie with Robert DeNiro, and was featured in a 90s dance song with one of the members of La Bouche!? Figure skating fashion just keeps getting better. She won her first at the 1984 Sarajevo games and her second four years later at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Lia Beck. In this interview, we dive into her [], Spring is in the air, and we cant wait to embrace all the excitement it brings! "I have been close for being docked points but, it has never happened," Marissa Castelli, an Olympic bronze medalist and two-time national champion tells Bustle. The issue was so popular it became the first issue of Playboy to sell out since the 1950s, flying off the racks of Hudson News, truck stop shelves, or your local Borders or Media Play (RIP). Bustle reached out to The International Skater's Union for comment on these rules, but has not received a response. The best might be her appearance in the 1998 Robert DeNiro-led movie Ronin. For one, it seems not everyone is up to date on the new rules. 2023 Getty Images. For real. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Saaame, Leslie Jones Is Narrating the Olympics and Its , 70 of the Sexiest Figure-Skating Costumes of All Time. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. Osmond, from Canada, competing in figure skating team event during the 2014 Winter Olympics at Iceberg Skating Palace on Feb. 8, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. British pairs dancers Christopher Colin Dean (in a sheer black crop top) and partner Jayne Torvill in a fringed costume during a 1986 performance. Katerina looked like a . Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. The Russian athlete competing in the figure skating team event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics on Feb. 11, 2018. Countless others have dug deep into Witts figure skating legacy. And it must have worked, because Witt and company propelled Ice Wars into a 13-year phenomenon. These days, embellishments are still popular as ever and short skirts are still No. Katarina Witt's infamous blue dress at the 1988 Olympics is the reason figure skating now has a dress code. From Sports Illustrated: Perhaps it's not an accident that the rules for the skaters' costumes are kept relatively lax after all, there's a lot to keep in mind when you're on the ice, and whether your butt cheeks are showing or not. As difficult as it is, Olympic figure skaters make it look effortless, and their intricately designed dresses are all part of the illusion. Sep 8, 2021 - Katarina Witt Evening Dress - Katarina Witt attended the Echo Klassik in a dazzling royal blue evening dress. , She might have had no intention of making this into a spectacle, but it certainly will arouse the judges, Dr. Ruth said. Katarina Witt, Wladimir Klitschko, Countess Mariella von Faber-Castell Ahrens and Henry Maske attend the after show party to 'Tribute To Bambi 2009'. [1] We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. While dresses have to be lightweight to not create too much drag, each one is unique. Skating her free program in the ladies singles event of the figure skating competition in the 1998 Winter Olympics held on Feb. 20, 1998, in Nagano, Japan. The Russian skater competing in the figure skating team event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics at Gangneung Ice Arena on Feb. 12, 2018. The American athlete skating in the free skate during the ladies singles figure skating event of the 1998 Winter Olympics on Feb. 20, 1998, in Nagano, Japan. The award-winning film I, Tonya in which Margot Robbie portrays the life of American skater Tonya Hardingrecreated the pleated teal outfit Harding wore for the U.S. The presence of glaring Olympian butt cheek scandalized the International Skating Union, the governing body for competitive figure skating including the Olympics. Katarina Witt attends the Laureus Charity Gala at the Mercedes Benz branch on July 7, 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany. Then the 80s rolled around, and spandex, sparkles, chiffon, sequins and beads reigned supreme. Blue feather costume that shows off too much butt cheek sold separately. Competing in the figure skating team event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics at Gangneung Ice Arena on Feb. 12, 2018, in Gangneung, South Korea. Katarina Witt even does one of those 90s dance talk-raps in the middle of it! Michelle Kwan, for example, popularized a look that was more swimsuit than skating, eschewing beaded sleeves for spaghetti straps. The 23-year-old took to the ice in black leggings that appeared to be attached to a gold and black sparkly sleeveless top. Kwan won the silver medal. Thomas was the bronze medalist in the event. See more ideas about katarina witt, figure skater, figure skating. Witts a fascinating character in the narrative of sports stars who cross over into pop culture figures. The East German Stasi (secret police) kept 3,500 pages of files on her, as they monitored her every move in the late 70s/80s, ensuring she could be seen as the most beautiful face of socialism. The East German government even got involved in Witts first relationship, forcibly stationing her boyfriend at a military post far away to make sure Witt wasnt distracted by a boy in her pursuit for Olympic gold. The South Korean skater competing in the figure skating team event during the 2018 Winter Olympics. She also wore pants for her free skate at the 2014 Olympics the unitard was similar, but the sparkly top was silver, blue, and black. But back in 1988, it stopped the presses. The three medal winners Lynn of the U.S., Schuba of Austria, Magnussen of Canada in ladies singles figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan, Feb. 7, 1972. The American skater competing in the free skate portion of the ladies singles event at the 1994 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1994, at the Hamar Olympic Hall in Lillehammer, Norway. Sparkles reign supreme today, but they weren't always the norm. Prev 5 of 8 Next . Did she lose points for her pants? So scroll on for the steamiest figure-skating costume looks of all time. America's Tim Wood in a form-fitting suit at the Olympics in 1968. Katarina Witt, Wladimir Klitschko, Countess Mariella von Faber-Castell Ahrens and Henry Maske attend the after show party to 'Tribute To Bambi 2009'. From wearing tighter-fitting suits in the early 1900s to showing a little kneecap in the 1930s, then flirting with fringe-y miniskirts and skintight catsuits in the 1980s to going all-out with cutouts in the 2000s. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Meg Donohue is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Photo: Getty Images The key takeaway: she was good. Mit might prefer pants; she competed in the same costume at the womens short program dance during the Internationaux de France ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Grenoble, France, in November. Ice skating costumes have often been a great example of what constitutes "sexy" attire maybe it's just the chill thrill of the rink, but skaters' attire has often been boundary-pushing (and, in olden times, modesty-pushing too). Aug 12, 2022 - Explore Randy Lantz's board "Katarina Witt", followed by 399 people on Pinterest. Evgeni Plushenko of Russia in a silver disco outfit with a sheer panel down the front at the 2002 Games. Men must wear full length trousers and must not wear tights. Nagasu of the United States reacts after her routine in the figure skating team event during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Sparkly and pants . By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The charismatic Witt defined the sport in the 1980s with her flirtatious and graceful performances. And that right there feels worth at least another gold medal for Witt. Katarina Witt, a competitor from East Germany, performed in a blue costume, adorned at the waist with feathers instead of a skirt, the likes of which barely covered her posterior as she moved. The Ukrainian skater performing during the 2014 Winter Olympics at Iceberg Skating Palace on Feb. 8, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. Rare Photos of Katarina Witt Here are some rare and classic photos of two-time Olympic gold medalist skater Katarina Witt, who turned 50 on Dec. 3, 2015. 4. You know, the kind that punctuate songs by Cathy Dennis, The Real McCoy, Le Click, etc. The judge, who once stripped for Playboy, now says she will change her. (That butt cheek took home its second gold medal though, winning the Battle of the Carmens, and it wouldnt be the end of said butt cheeks foray into the history books. Performing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Figure Skating Championship. The event led to a change of costume-rules, which got their latest update in 2016. The guidelines continue: "The clothing must not give the effect of excessive nudity inappropriate for the discipline. Katarina Witt's bejewelled blue costume at the 1988 Olympics, with feathers where a skirt should be, conjured images of a Vegas showgirl, and prompted the International Skating Union to write. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. The Forward Calendar March is bursting with the most vibrant and inspiring cultural events. A two-time Olympic champion, Witt is regarded as one of the greatest ladies' singles figure skaters of all time. Secret Tapes of Katarina Witt. In terms of decoration, most skating outfits were quite plain during the World War II era, as fabric shortages led skaters to favor simple silhouettes with less fabric and little embellishment, according to Insider. To read and save unlimited articles, sign up to become a Cosmopolitan member. The controversy here was how short and skimpy the \"skirt\" part of Katarina's outfit was, especially in the front. For $5.95 you could catch Katarina Witt baring it all or, if you were one of those who bought Playboy for the articles, you could read the latest story from Joyce Carol Oates or read 20 questions with Gore Vidal! French skater Philippe Candeloro in a Braveheart-inspired costume at the Goodwill Games in 2000. Katarina Witt's outfit caused the ISU to institute "The Katarina Rule." Associated Press "The Katarina Rule" dictates that women's hips, midriffs, and behinds are covered. Margot Robbie portrays the life of American skater Tonya Harding. I loved the French skater (Ma-Brnice Mit)'s awesome pants outfit and the Bey song. At the beginning of her career, Dorothy Hamill stood out among her competitors with the understated and simple designs she chose for her skating costumes. Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. France's Ma-Brnice Mit skated IN PANTS, and ended her Beyonc medley with "Run the World (Girls)". The World, where four figure skaters from the U.S. battled four figure skaters from well, the world. Hamill won the gold medal for the U.S. in the ladies singles figure skating event. Yes, you read that right: A figure skater competed at the PyeongChang Olympics sans skirt. This means that although most competitors stick with the typical glitzy, sparkling dresses, there are hardly any strict rules that have to be followed. Wish she could've done better #Olympics. After Katarina Witt came out on the ice in a few feathers barely covering her behind in 1988, the International Skating Union enacted a rule that women had to wear skirts. Girl, you are an #OlympicHero, Ma-Brnice Mit to Beyonce in pants. Costumes also run the style gamut, and range from DIY imagination (Figure skating legend and 1976 gold medalist Dorothy Hamill, for instance, wore super simple, floating designs her first costume was made by her mother's friend) to inspired by the runway (Vera Wang, for example, has collaborated with many Olympic figure skaters on their looks, including Nancy Kerrigan and Michelle Kwan).

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