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2020 Four Continents Championships


 

Hanyu, Kihira, Sui & Han Highlight Successful Four Continents Championships in Seoul, Korea

by Tatiana Flade

Excellent performances by star stars such as Yuzuru Hanyu, Rika Kihira, Wenjing Sui & Cong Han and many others highlighted the ISU Four Continents Championships in Seoul, Korea. Even the Corona virus panic didn’t stop the event from being a success.

Precautions were taken, but some of them seemed unnecessary or exaggerated. Spectators had fill into a health inquiry from where they were asked whether they had been to China or had contact to ill people, all accredited people had their temperature checked every time they entered the rink. However, you can be infected and contagious without showing any symptoms such as fever for up to two weeks. Most people wore masks all the time, although these don’t provide an effective protection. Everyone was reminded of washing their hands regularly  - which is something you should do anyway, especially when using the restroom and before eating.

Only one skater withdrew apparently because of the Corona virus – Christy Yi Leung from Hong Kong, who is actually based in the USA. The Chinese delegation needed a special permit to be able to enter Korea as the country closed their borders from people coming from China on February 4.

Several spectators from China possibly were unable to attend because of these travel restrictions. According to the organizers, about 25 percent of the tickets had been sold to Chinese fans. Korea had officially reported 25 cases of Corona virus infections until February 8, so all these measures seemed a bit over the top. It was not like the virus was rampant in Seoul. Every year more people die from the regular flu. Except for all the people wearing masks, the event seemed like business as usual and no major problems arose.

The ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships 2021 will be held in Sydney, Australia.

Ladies Event

Men's Event

Pairs Event

Dance Event