###### Abstract  
This study aimed to determine the extent to which explosive and reactive strength of the lower limbs, as well as acceleration in running and skating speed, predict figure skating competition results in youth skaters. Talented figure skaters aged 8 to 16 years (n = 211) were divided into two groups: Group 1 (basic novice; age: 10.38 \(\pm\) 1.10 yrs., height: 1.3889 \(\pm\) 0.07.26 m, weight: 32.75 \(\pm\) 4.63 kg) and Group 2 (advanced novice and junior; age: 13.02 \(\pm\) 1.06 yrs., height: 1.527 \(\pm\) 0.0818 m, weight: 42.73 \(\pm\) 7.62 kg). Fifteen variables of physical fitness were measured using tests such as repeated vertical jump, standing long jump, triple jump (right/left leg), 15 m running sprint, and 15 m skating sprint. The competition results were recorded according to the International Skating Union Code of Points. The principal component analysis reduced the fifteen variables to four principal components, explaining 84-87% of the variance. Linear regression models showed that these components significantly explained the variability in the competition scores for both groups. For Group 1, R\({}^{2}\) ranged from 0.298 to 0.425, while for Group 2, it ranged from 0.086 to 0.237. [PERSON]'s R was higher for the mean best score of the season than for the National Championship score. The relative importance of these factors varied across age groups. These findings highlight the need for tailored on- and off-ice training that focuses on locomotion and acceleration for younger skaters and dynamic jump training for older skaters. s +
Footnote †: journal: applied sciences  
Union (ISU) judging system, also known as the International Judging System (IJS). The introduction of IJS made the scoring system less vulnerable to manipulation and more objective. Furthermore, significant improvements in skating technique have been observed in competitions following the implementation of IJS. In particular, jumps and spins have become more daring, intricate, and dynamic in competitions [6,7]. Jumps play a critical role in competitive figure skating, as skaters who perform more complicated and complex elements earn higher scores [8]. These visually captivating maneuvers require explosive strength, precision, and grace for successful execution [3]. Lower-limb explosive strength directly affects jump quality, contributing to overall performance and score [9]. Strong lower limbs allow figure skaters to achieve good jump height and length, control rotations, and stabilize landings. Good balance during landing prevents falls, facilitates smooth transitions to the next element, and maximizes points in competitions [10,11]. In elite figure skaters, it has also been documented that the age at which women reach peak performance (20.4 \(\pm\) 3.4 years) has decreased and that the number of double jumps has decreased significantly in favor of triple or quadruple jumps [7]. These highlights increase pressure on early specialization, particularly among female skaters, and increase demands on the difficulty of individual elements of figure skating performance, especially the number of jump rotations. Therefore, efficient training with greater overall intensity is required to improve the physical fitness and technical proficiency of figure skaters [7,12]. Although coaches regularly assess figure skater technique in almost every training session, the level and changes in the physical prerequisites for figure skater performance remain somewhat hidden. To address this issue, coaches must focus on other key areas related to sports performance, such as uncovering hidden physical factors, such as strength and power, speed and agility, endurance and stamina, during long-term athlete development. Some cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of figure skaters focus on changes in physical qualities during growth and development and their potential in talent identification. [PERSON] et al.