Figure skating at the 1928 Winter Olympics — 1928 edition of the figure skating competitions during the Olympic Winter Games
The 1928 Winter Olympics figure skating events were severely affected by unseasonably warm weather, threatening the viability of outdoor ice competition.
Key Facts
- Dates of competition
- 14–19 February 1928
- Venue
- Olympic Ice Rink, St. Moritz
- Events contested
- 3 (men's singles, ladies' singles, pairs)
- Weather issue
- Unseasonably warm weather degraded outdoor ice surface
- Proposed relocation
- Indoor rinks in Berlin or London considered
- Ice markers used
- Red flags placed on ice to mark hazardous areas
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
St. Moritz experienced unseasonably warm weather during the 1928 Winter Games, creating hazardous conditions on the outdoor Olympic Ice Rink. Organizers considered relocating competitions to indoor facilities in Berlin or London, though colder temperatures eventually returned before a formal decision was reached.
Figure skating at the 1928 Winter Olympics was held at the Olympic Ice Rink in St. Moritz from 14 to 19 February 1928. Three events were contested: men's singles, ladies' singles, and pair skating. Despite the return of colder weather, the ice surface remained in poor condition throughout the competition.
The poor ice conditions persisted for the duration of the Games, with red flags placed on the rink during the ladies' free skating to warn competitors of the worst patches. The situation highlighted the risks of staging Olympic figure skating on outdoor ice and prompted broader discussions about venue suitability.
Result
at Olympic Ice Rink, St. Moritz, Switzerland