Reindeer Figure to Skate Well

Welcome back to the Reindeer Games! Well, it was an exciting finish yesterday in the Around-the-World Marathon, as Vixen earned the gold medal in the fourth event of the games.

Vixen just barely nudged out Comet in the fantastic race that took the reindeer to just about every spot on the globe. Today, the reindeer will be closer to home and out on the ice for the start of the Figure Skating competition.

The winner will be the fifth gold medal recipient of the games, joining Dancer in the High Jump, Donder in the Long Jump, Comet in the Sprint Race and of course, Vixen for the Marathon.

“It’s been a super competition so far,” said Rudolph, “and perhaps the reindeer might be a tad tired from the race around the world, but they aren’t showing it. They’ve laced up their skates and are ready to go!”

Yes, indeed. Today, in our first round, the reindeer will be doing the compulsories for the figure skating event. Sometimes, figure skaters use some funny words and “compulsories” just means the stuff you gotta do.

And so, each reindeer will be out on the ice trying a draw a figure with their skates, according to the rules set by the Official Elves. Each deer will draw the same figure – this year, it’s a really big Christmas Tree! – and the judges will judge how well each figure has been created.

“Wow, that’s actually kind of fun,” said Rudolph. “I’m not sure many people can draw pictures in the ice with their skates. Let’s see what the deer can do.”

Indeed each deer is on the ice right now working on their Christmas tree. This takes a good bit of skill and patience, and the reindeer are making sure they are doing their best.

“Yes, indeed,” said Rudolph. “The reindeer aren’t always perfect, but they always try hard and learn from their mistakes. Yes, they do make mistakes, and that's sometimes a good thing when you learn something important.”

Well, we’re almost done with today’s competition, and the figures are looking good so far. The judges are ready to give out some scores.

“It’s going to be very close,” said Rudolph.

Indeed it is. And I think we’re ready. The Official Elves have posted the scores.

All the reindeer have done well, with Dancer, Prancer and Comet earning a 9.7, Donder and Vixen each with a 9.6 and then Dasher, Blitzen and Cupid coming in with a 9.5.

“All very, very good,” said Rudolph. “The reindeer are really trying hard in all the events.”

Yes, and so check back tomorrow when the reindeer compete in the second day of the figure skating event, what we call the short program. It should be fun!