The U.S. figure skating team finally received their gold medals from the Beijing Winter Olympics. It was a special moment in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower for the U.S. skaters, who waited two and a half years for their medals. | USA TODAY Video

Figure Skaters: How to Practice 1. Arrive with a game plan - What skills will you practice today? What is most important and what needs the most practice? A checklist is also visual and helpful. 2. Divide practice time up - How long are you skating for? For example: Splitting up time among skating skills, jumps, and spins. Or skating skills, program elements, and sections/run throughs. 3. Walkthroughs and repetitions - Break down the element. Specific drills for that element. Repeat. 4. Journal