Biellmann spin
| Figure skating element | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Element name: | Biellmann spin |
| Element type: | Upright spin |
| Named for: | Denise Biellmann |
The Biellmann spin is a difficult variation of the layback spin in figure skating. It is executed by the skater grabbing their free blade and pulling the heel of their boot behind and above the level of the head so that their legs are in an approximate full split, with the head and back arched upward.[1] The spin "requires much strength and extreme flexibility".[2] The Biellmann increases the complexity of a skater's short or free program only if they execute eight revolutions, in either a backward and/or sideway position without any changes, before attempting the Biellmann and if they clearly increase the speed of the spin. Advanced novice skaters must complete six revolutions before executing a Biellmann spin.[3] Like other categories of difficult spin variations, the Biellmann is counted in a skater's score, in both the short and free skating programs, only the first time it is completed.[4]
The Biellmann spin was made popular by world champion Denise Biellmann.[5] Russian figure skater Irina Slutskaya invented and was noted for the double Biellmann spin with a foot change, which is executed by the skater reaching back with their hands, grabbing the blade of one skate and pulling it straight over their head, and then performing the same action with the other skate.[6][7] The Biellmann spin, due to the flexibility required in executing it, is "a signature move for women in the sport".[8] Male skaters, as a result, do not execute it as commonly as women, although a notable exception is two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu.[8]
Photo gallery[]
Denise Biellmann, 2011 
Yuzuru Hanyu, 2019 
Hyper-extended Biellmann
(Caroline Zhang, 2008)
Variation with the hands on the boot instead of on the skate blade
(Mirai Nagasu, 2008)
(Denis Ten, 2008) 
(Michael Christian Martinez, 2013) 
A one-handed Biellmann
(Mira Leung, 2008)
A half-Biellmann
(Jamal Othman, 2006)
(Becky Bereswill, 2008) 
(Zoya Douchine, 2001) 
(Eliot Halverson, 2008) 
A one-handed Biellmann
(Mao Asada, 2006)
(Yuki Nishino, 2008)
References[]
- ^ "Communication No. 2393: Ice Dance". Lausanne, Switzerland: International Skating Union. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021, p. 5
- ^ Hines, James R. (2006) Figure Skating: A History. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press. ISBN 978-0-252-07286-4, p. 227
- ^ Tech panel, p. 8
- ^ Tech panel, p. 12
- ^ Kestnbaum, Ellyn (2003). Culture on Ice: Figure Skating and Cultural Meaning. Middletown, Connecticut: Wesleyan University Press. ISBN 0819566411, p. 281.
- ^ "Ladies: Irina Slutskaya". International Skating Union. 24 July 2013. Archived from the original on 2010-01-14. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ "Slutskaya Is Savoring New Phase of Her Life". The New York Times. Associated Press. 22 November 2008. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ a b Yumiko, Yanai (19 February 2014). "A Post-Plushenko Champion: Hanyū Yuzuru Wins Figure Skating Gold". Nippon.com. Tokyo, Japan. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
Works cited[]
- "Technical Panel Handbook: Pair Skating 2020/2021" (PDF). (Tech Panel) ISU Judging System. International Skating Union. 20 July 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
External links[]
- Irina Slutskaya performing the double Biellmann spin with a foot change, during her free skating program at 2000 Worlds Championships. Event occurs between 3.55–4.12. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
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