Axels, a plural noun, refers to spinning jumps performed by figure skaters, commonly attributed to the field of ice skating. In these jumps, the skater takes off from the edge of one skate and rotates once in the air before landing back on the same skate. Axels are considered one of the most challenging and intricate moves in figure skating, requiring not only strength and coordination but also a great deal of technical skill and precision to execute properly.
The name "axel" originated from Axel Paulsen, a Norwegian figure skater who first introduced and successfully landed this jump in 1882. It is worth noting that the axel is unique among figure skating jumps because it is initiated from a forward outside edge rather than a backward takeoff. This makes it distinct from other jumps, such as salchow, toe loop, loop, flip, and lutz, which are all executed from a backward takeoff.
Being a fundamental element of figure skating, axels are often included in skating competitions, where skaters are judged based on the height, distance, and quality of their jumps. The ability to perform axels flawlessly is often seen as a demonstration of a skater's technical prowess, and it often separates the elite skaters from the rest. Skaters aim to achieve maximum height and a clean, fully rotated jump, with proper technique in takeoff, flight, and landing.
Overall, axels are an impressive and highly regarded component of figure skating, requiring skill, strength, and artistry to execute successfully.
