Figure skating at winter Olympic games is a kind of skating sport that is based on the sportsmen movement (on one or both feet) with changing of direction of the sliding, twisting and jumping. It is governed by the International Skating Union that unites 73 countries (2002). Today figure skating is very popular both in professional and amateur variants. Nowadays figure skating is included in many competitions: Olympic Games, World Championships, Europe Championships, National Competitions, etc.

Winter Olympic figure skating rules for figure skating at winter Olympic games are almost the same as for all kinds of figure skating competitions. They are rated concerning the figure skaters? technique, fulfilling of prescribed elements, artistry, art impression, etc. All skaters are judged by the judge team, consisting of the odd number of members.

The figure skating consisted of events for Men, Women, Pairs as well as Special Figures in 1908 became the first winter sport registered in the Olympic Games. That happened in London and started winter Olympic figure skating history.

 Figure skating at winter Olympic games represented by ice dancing was included in the major program in 1976. So, ice dancing took start for the first time in Innsbruck.

Short Track Speed Skating as the part of figure skating at winter Olympic games appeared in 1992 during the competitions that were held in Albertville.

Sport ice dancing is the youngest figure skating discipline. It was invented in England much later than others. Only in 1952 in pairs skating dancers were competing for the first award set. The strongest turned out to be sportsmen from England. Recently the biggest popularity belongs to synchronic skating (especially in the USA, Canada, Switzerland, England and France).

The Olympic Competitions in single and pair skating are kept since 1908 (in 1908 and 1920 included in Olympic Games, since 1924 ? in the program of winter Olympic Games and in sport ice dancing since 1976. Country can put forward only one representative or a pair to every kind of Olympic Games.

The situation with professional and amateur skaters has changed. At the moment it is difficult to distinguish them. Not so long ago we called figure skaters professionals if they were paid for their skating so it was their job. They took part in different performances. At the same time amateurs figure skaters were not paid for sport but could compete in Olympic Games and benefit even more. Today figure skaters that were called amateurs in past are allowed earning money as well. And division into professionals and amateurs is not only old-fashioned but not even actual and reflecting reality. The present time dictates two categories: eligible and ineligible.

Another one and very important question is the process of professional level rating.  Every country has its skating federation (for example, United Skates Figure Skating Association) that decides if the sportsman can participate in competition or no.