How do the Special Olympics figure skating rules differ from the traditional Olympics?

Could I join the figure skating olympics?

• I'm 16 years old and I'm in basic 3. I heard that there is no age limit for going to the olympics so even though I'm not starting like at age 3 or whatever (because alot of people act like it's almost impossible for someone starting at my age to make it to olympics) then I should have time to get into olympics right? And if you don't think it's likely then explain why. If I work hard enough and enjoy it, then I think it's very likely.... Is it?

• Answer:

  Making it to the Olympics for figure skating is extremely difficult. I've been figure skating for 10 years and I might have a shot for 2014, but it's still very slim. I do know someone who started at age 12 and was able to make it to the Olympics, but it's an entirely different lifestyle that one has to take if you want to accomplish something like that. People who go to the Olympics or World competitions are home schooled, or are able to take a lot of time off of school. We skate approx. 4 to 5 hours a day, and it's really intense training. It's not impossible, and if you are willing to do it, go for it! But, its a very life changing decision that doesn't just happen like that.