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. Katarina Witt's blue costume caused a stir. American figure skater Debi Thomas in a black jumpsuit at the 1988 Olympics. Katarina Witt attends the Laureus Charity Gala at the Mercedes Benz branch on July 7, 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany. Become a Cosmo member to read and save unlimited articles. 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. Swedish skater Ulrich Salchow in a suit at the Olympic Games in 1908. Its absolutely nightmarish!, says runway designer Vera Wang, who custom designed the outfit of US competitor Nathan Chen. Showing Editorial results for katarina witt. French ice-dancing couple Gwendal Peizerat (in a billowy blouse) and Marina Anissina (in a dress that gave the illusion that her whole side was naked) at a competition in 2001. See how figure skating dresses have evolved over the years, from vintage 1920s costumes to the outfits Olympians wear today. 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. 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. even Dr. Ruth was contacted by Reuters to comment on the dres, boogie to the dulcet sounds of a cold bottle of Diet Coke being cracked open, for the most 90s dance track imaginable: Skate With Me., an anecdote about how Trump once tried to hit on Katarina Witt, The East German Stasi (secret police) kept 3,500 pages of files on her. This past year when Mary Trump dropped her book Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man, she included an anecdote about how Trump once tried to hit on Katarina Witt. Katarina Witt has responded to comments that she shows too much boob on Dancing On Ice, claiming that it's only because she 'sits down'. The American skater performing during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. 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 American skater competing in the ladies singles figure skating event at the 1992 Winter Olympic Games held in Albertville, France, on Feb. 21, 1992. Witt's blue dress at the 1988 Olympics is the reason figure skating now has a dress code. And then you wait for CBS to call and say two magical words: Ice Wars.. That is how serious it is. Get ready todiscoverfestivals, must-see performances, and hidden gallery shows. Sweet dreams of rhythm and triple lutzes! Hamill's red dress and wedge haircut instantly became iconic after she nabbed a silver Olympic medal in Innsbruck, Austria. Surya Bonaly of France in a low-cut, bare-armed number at the 1998 Olympics. Alina Zagitova took her cues from ballerinas when wore an intricately embroidered red and gold tutu and red gloves for her gold medal performance at the Pyeongchang Olympics. However, those glimmering crystals and sheer panels aren't just deployed for ornamental purposes they actually serve as bulwarks against immodesty and point deductions. Secret Tapes of Katarina Witt. And they have. Yes, you read that right: A figure skater competed at the PyeongChang Olympics sans skirt. 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. According to the NBC Olympics page, Ladies in singles and pairs can wear a skirt, pants or tights. However, that wasnt always the rule. Sign up here to get INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox. 4. Collect, curate and comment on your files. Witt won the gold at the 84 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, then for the next four years flip-flopped with American figure skater Debi Thomas to be the best in the world. Lia Beck. Keeping all of these creative decisions in mind, skaters have to consider that the rules are pretty subjective: What's perfectly acceptable to one judge might be "garish" or "too theatrical" to another. Not possible. I Was a Teenage Catfish and I Regret Nothing. The odd badass bodysuit happens from time to time, and many use their costumes as an opportunity to express themselves. The no-skirt ban was lifted in 2003, per The Boston Globe, and full leotards became acceptable; most recently, Mae Berenice Meite of France competed in Pyeongchang wearing a bedazzled unitard, while Russias Irina Slutskaya wore a sparkly one-piece at the 2006 Olympics. 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! 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 crowds at the Nagano Olympics cheered on the-then-15-year-old as she won the gold medal in a stylish and sweet blue dress. As the years progressed, figure skating fashion evolved both men and women's costumes got shorter, more embellished, and more dramatic. The controversy here was how short and skimpy the \"skirt\" part of Katarina's outfit was, especially in the front. Nancy Kerrigan looked chic in a simple sheer and ruched white dress as she took the podium for her bronze medal at the Albertville, France Olympic Games in 1992. 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 performing her free skating program during the ladies singles event at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Performing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. While dresses have to be lightweight to not create too much drag, each one is unique. Then why dont more women wear pants? 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. Evgeni Plushenko of Russia in a silver disco outfit with a sheer panel down the front at the 2002 Games. The Russian athlete competing in the figure skating team event during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics on Feb. 11, 2018. German figure skater Katarina Witt is known as one of the greatest of all time in her sport, thanks in part to her back-to-back Olympic gold medals. Henie ended up becoming a Hollywood star, posing for this picture in a feathery skating getup in 1943. The key takeaway: she was good. 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. Get ready for sheer mesh, catsuits, and a whole lotta plunging necklines. That same year, American skater Debi Thomas made waves by wearing a full unitard for competition, which led to a ban on costumes without skirts. Unlike many other athletes at the winter Olympics, figure skaters aren't required to don official Olympics uniforms; instead, they're tasked with finding an outfit that is both artistically expressive and breathable and that's in addition to the pressure of executing a perfect routine. Dubravcic, representing Yugoslavia, skating her long program during the Winter Olympics on Feb. 18, 1984, in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. July 26, 2001 -- When Katarina Witt glided onto the ice, the world watched every move of the beautiful East German figure skater. If one strap were to break, or if the beading on the sleeve gets caught when they turn, their whole Olympics is over. 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. and even more daring ensemble. America's Tim Wood in a form-fitting suit at the Olympics in 1968. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. Skaters also favor illusion mesh and backless designs that mirror dresses we see on runways and red carpets. Aside from winning a gold medal for East Germany at the Calgary Olympics, Katarina Witt caused quite the uproar over the short hemline on her blue feathered dress. As difficult as it is, Olympic figure skaters make it look effortless, and their intricately designed dresses are all part of the illusion. SI Staff Dec 2, 2015 Rare Photos of. 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. Yes, long before anyone would break the internet, Witt and her butt cheeks broke the magazine racks. The rule was repealed . Katerina looked like a . For real. But back in 1988, it stopped the presses. Tonya Harding in a sparkly red number at the 1994 Winter Games. As for more pop culture Katarina Witt treasures? Then the 80s rolled around, and spandex, sparkles, chiffon, sequins and beads reigned supreme. Chin, of the U.S., performing at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. 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. Part of HuffPost Style & Beauty. My dressmaker loaded up my dress with sparkles so you never knew when the dress ended. Clothing that does not adhere to these guidelines will be penalized by a deduction.". She won the gold medal. By most standards today it was basically a blue dress with some feathers. American skater Hayes Alan Jenkins in a chunky sweater and pants at the 1956 Olympics. To read and save unlimited articles, sign up to become a Cosmopolitan member. 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. Unlike the dress code, the actual rules of competitive figure skating which has been around for over 100 years are complicated enough to make your head spin. Katarina Witt of Germany in a strapless, arm-baring number at the 1988 Olympics. The Forward Calendar March is bursting with the most vibrant and inspiring cultural events. Gracie Gold represented the United States at the Sochi Olympic Games in a theatrical red velvet dress with an embellished necklace and rosebud detail. Skaters like Nancy Kerrigan and Frances Surya Bonaly skated in costumes designed by Vera Wang and Christian Lacroix, respectively. A two-time Olympic champion, Witt is regarded as one of the greatest ladies' singles figure skaters of all time. As soon as the skirt-only ice age melted away, Russian skater Irina Slutskaya wore a fiery bodysuit at the 2006 Olympics. Then the '80s rolled around, and spandex, sparkles, chiffon, sequins and beads reigned supreme. Hamill won the gold medal for the U.S. in the ladies singles figure skating event. They dont just sit and drink coffee and they move the bottom half of their bodies well, which is very beneficial. Paging Gus Kenworthy. but alas, Dr. Ruths vision for a dress code came true, and the Katarina Rule was born requiring skaters to (in the words of Jurassic Park) cover their butts. In fact, at the 1924 games in Chamonix, France, women wore full skirts with sweaters and hats that didnt look much different from their everyday clothes (which makes sense, considering Olympic skating rinks used to be outdoors). 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. The Russian skater Irina Slutskaya's embellished black dress stood out with it's jagged neckline during the Salt Lake City Olympics. Or as Bustle put it, Katarina Wittts butt cheek single-handedly changed the figure skating dress code for over a decade. American skater Dorothy Hamill in a black and gold fringey design with a deep neckline in 1980. 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. Dinamo is not just a design practice, it is a way of thinking that applies interesting concepts to a wide range of production areas, from typography and design to research and consulting. (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. Last week, costume designer Jan Longmire told InStyle, The guidelines change every now and then, but every girl always has to wear a skirt she cant come out in a leotard on its own.. A skater named Debi Thomas hit the ice the same year in a black, beaded, full-body unitard and no skirt a move that put a temporary ban on costumes without skirts. But if women can wear tuxedos on the red carpet and not be any less elegant, female skaters can do the same in the rink. 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. She plays a figure skater, but dont let that fool you: theres some good acting chops on display, and her character plays a massive role in the films ending. 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. Figure Skating Championship. The American athlete skating her short program at the 1988 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1988, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In this interview, we dive into her [], Spring is in the air, and we cant wait to embrace all the excitement it brings! With her 3rd place finish in Compulsory Figures, she would be in 2nd Place going into the Long. Tens across the board for Katarina Witt, the Olympic figure skating powerhouse whose determination on and off the ice dominated American pop culture of the 80s and 90s. The American skater performing during the women's free skating program at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games on Feb. 23, 2006, at Palavela in Turin, Italy. "We're here to skate in a dress, not a G-string," a rival coach reportedly . Not only do the athletes put on an impressive display of grace and skill, they also dazzle us with their glittering costumes. In 1936, though, Norwegian skater Sonja Henie changed the game when she competed in a skirt with a comparatively short hemline. Sumners won the silver medal in the event. German skater Katarina Witt in a red design with a low-cut sheer panel and very '80s sleeves at the 1988 Games. So, Mit might be onto something. 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. Herma Planck-Szabo, Ethel Muckelt and Beatrix Loughran, 1924. Not even mad about this first two jumps. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Witt was a high-profile sporting star and landed tv and film cameo roles. Then you star in a commercial where you lure a bunch of boys onto the ice and boogie to the dulcet sounds of a cold bottle of Diet Coke being cracked open. And that right there feels worth at least another gold medal for Witt. This means that although most competitors stick with the typical glitzy, sparkling dresses, there are hardly any strict rules that have to be followed. She was also paid seven figures to pose, making her one of the highest paid models for Playboy in the 1990s. 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!? Which brings us to 1988 and. American skater Debi Thomas in a very sheer leotard during a 1989 performance. South Korea's Lily Lyoonjung Lee in a cute, short-skirted, pink piece at the 1994 Winter Olympics. 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. We're not really sure why people have been complaining. I'm with it. . Lu, of China, in the free skate portion of the ladies singles figure skating competition at the 1994 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1994, in Lillehammer, Norway. 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. With her 3rd place finish in Compulsory Figures, she would be in 2nd Place going into the Long Program. 23.02.2018. 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. 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 judge, who once stripped for Playboy, now says she will change her. "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. Performing in the ladies singles figure skating event at the 1988 Winter Olympics on Feb. 25, 1988, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. American skater Michelle Kwan in a flowing pink piece with a sheer illusion triangle top in 2000. 1. Of course were talking about Katarina Witt, the Olympic powerhouse who helped make figure skating among the most iconic sports during the last 40 years. 3. These Winter Cocktails Will Warm Ya Right Up. Spoiler alert: There's a lot of illusion mesh and Spandex going on. Only Cosmo members can save this exclusive article. Sarah Hughes wore a lavender dress with a beaded bodice for the Salt Lake City Olympics, at which she won a gold medal in the ladies free program. The ISU instituted " The Katarina Rule, " which dictated that women's hips, midriffs, and butt were covered. Not to be hyperbolic, but this might be the best 90s dance song no one has ever heard. Her response? Austrian skater Karl Shafer in a belted suit and tapered pants at the Olympics in 1936. These days, embellishments are still popular as ever and short skirts are still No. Shaun White and Nina Dobrevs Cutest Moments, Meet Naomi Osakas Incredibly Supportive Parents, 16 Pics of Olympians the Moment They Knew They Won, You Def Wanna See Funny Tweets About the Olympics, This 15-Year-Old Ice Skater Just Made History, Dont Let Maame Bineys Smiling Face Fool You, Meet Olympian Chloe Kims Skateboarder Boyfriend, Wondering When the Next Olympics Games Are? So much so that after television network CBS lost the rights to broadcast NFL football games, they turned to figure skating (and the Gone With the Wind sequel miniseries Scarlett, because frankly my dear, lots of people dont give a damn about football) to save their November sweeps. 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). The American skater competing at the 2014 Winter Olympics at Iceberg Skating Palace on Feb. 8, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. Glitter and crystals, however, werent always the norm in the world of figure skating. And Witt wasn't the only who'd offended the delicate sensibilities of the judges, either. Figure skating competitors often make headlines for their extravagant outfits as much as they do for their athletic abilities. French skater Philippe Candeloro in a Braveheart-inspired costume at the Goodwill Games in 2000. Russian team Oksana Grichtchuk (in a steamy mesh-illusion crop top) and Evgeni Platov (in a suit) at the 1994 Olympics. That rule was overturned in the early 2000s, bringing back the pants. Albright of the United States displaying her grace and technique during her free skating program at the 1956 Winter Olympics. . Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. 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. 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).