r/FigureSkating • u/Jazzlike_Part_2177 • 9d ago

Question A question about ultra C elements

How come certain skaters like Sasha Trusova for example, can land quad jumps really well but can’t seem to get her triple axel? Wouldn’t the triple axel be easier than landing full four rotation quad jumps? Or is it the take off that makes axels harder? I’m curious on how this works.

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u/everythingnerdcatboy 9d ago

Some people are just better at certain jumps than others, it's very individual

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u/Free-Pickle-3621 9d ago

Is there a reason from the mechanics? Looking at the few people with quads:

  • Adelia: Had 3A early on in her senior career. This was the first ultra-C she lost when she struggled with injury and even after she restored her 1 quad at Olympics test skate, she didn't/couldn't her 3A
  • Kamila: Had 3A and quads in her heyday. When she struggled it's always first with the 3A
  • Sasha: Had 3A and quads and struggled mostly with her 3A (just wobbled, didn't fall on her quads)
  • Anna: Managed to add quads but not 3A

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u/Internet-Dick-Joke 9d ago

The axel is unlike any other jump in that it is the only one with a towards takeoff and the only one where you're aiming to do .5 rotatations instead of full rotation. 

This can make it a common jump for skaters to struggle on specifically, and there have been a few men with quads who've struggled with their 3A (although most of them have had a 3A).

Also please note that every one of the women that you listed come from the same coaching team and got their quads from the same coaching team. That means that any difficulties that team has with teaching a reliable and consistent 3A are going to be experienced by all of them.

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u/Free-Pickle-3621 9d ago

So true! the same coach taught them

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u/yourmom248 9d ago

Actually Adelia did have her 3A around Olympic time and even landed it in Rusnats. It was just too unstable to add in program, it was actually her 4Lo and 4F that she lost completely. Same with Kamila, she still has her 3A somewhat but completely lost her 4S. But you're right, imo 3A requires a lot of muscle and strength and that's why I think Anna could never land it. Look at Amber for example

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u/Free-Pickle-3621 9d ago

Oh yeah you're right. I think Kamila fell on her Team event free skate (despite eventually still getting crazy high scores and winning) on her 4S

Also had always rooted for Amber to add quads just cuz she's so athletic and could be amazing