Olympic Costumes

This week I watched many of the Olympic events. But the one that held me spell bound was the figure skaters. The elegance, the costumes, the dedicated routines were absolutely fantastic. I feared for the falls that did happen, but cheered when the skater got up and continued on with a smile. Good onya!

In a discussion about the beautiful costumes, I got to wondering exactly what they did cost. How much was the training? What was the cost of the equipment?

When we watch the Olympics, we marvel at the routines, the drama, and have no idea what goes into the making of one. First of all, the skaters' lives are totally into their sport. They give up much to train and work on developing their bodies and routines. They do not have free time for dances, parties, and such that we take for granted. To make the Olympics is a lifetime dream and many do not reach that pinnacle. For those that do, the cost is great.

First of all the parents must pay for ice time at an arena, a 2-hour segment is $5 to $15 an hour. Second, the private instructions from a coach range from $30 to $45 for a 30 minute lesson. This cost is independent of the ice arena charge. Then we come to the skates. The shoes and blades are professionally fitted to the skater and can range from $250 to $350 per set of skates. This of cost per skater does not include costumes and miscellaneous equipment. How much ice time do they use? Probably once a day 6 days a week. Check out this website of Wikipedia. to learn more.

Per the several website, the cost for training, lessons, equipment, costumes, ice time, and travel could cost as much as $233,000 to $235,000. Wow! That could set a family back into poverty. How many families could truly afford to hand out a chunk of change like that. Not many.

As we watch the dance routines, the jumps, spins, lifts, and spirals, we are in awe of their performances, realizing we sit in the safety of our recliner or sofa. With soda in hand, we raise our glasses to salute the Olympic champions. You do us proud!