Triple Axel? Triple Amazing!

It’s the phrase of the week: Triple Axel. Well, at least for anyone interested in competitive figure skating. The triple Axel is the technically challenging jump which requires three-and-a-half rotations…

Phil Harris

Published Feb 14, 2018 12:01 AM EST

Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

It's the phrase of the week: Triple Axel. Well, at least for anyone interested in competitive figure skating. The triple Axel is the technically challenging jump which requires three-and-a-half rotations in the air. Few have done it in competition, but it's worth the attempt because the base scoring value of a triple Axel is 8.5 points. A double Axel is worth only 3.3 points.

Mirai Nagasu made headlines in Pyeongchang this week by becoming the first American skater to land a triple Axel in Olympic competition, which helped the U.S. win the team figure skating bronze medal. Last September, she became only the third American woman to ever do it in any competition. Tonya Harding and Kimmie Meissner are the others. Here's why it's so impressive:

double axel figure skating Kimmie Meissner Mirai Nagasu Olympics Pyeongchang Tonya Harding triple axel Winter Olympics

Phil HarrisEditor

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.