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Biellmann spin

Figure skating spin position

Field	Value
image	Biellmann-spin svg.svg
imagesize	100px
element name	Biellmann spin
element type	Upright spin
named for	Denise Biellmann

The Biellmann spin is a difficult variation of the layback spin in figure skating. It was made popular by world champion Denise Biellmann.

Denise Biellmann performing her namesake spin in 2011.

Description

The Biellmann spin is a difficult variation of the upright spin in figure skating. It is executed by the skater reaching back over their shoulder, grabbing the blade on their free foot, and raising it over their head. The spin demands high levels of strength and flexibility. The Biellmann increases the complexity of a skater's short or free program only if they execute eight revolutions, in either a backward and/or sideway position without any changes, before attempting the Biellmann, and if they clearly increase the speed of the spin. Advanced novice skaters must complete six revolutions before executing a Biellmann spin.

The Biellmann spin was made popular by world champion Denise Biellmann. Russian figure skater Irina Slutskaya invented and was noted for the double Biellmann spin with a foot change, which is executed by the skater reaching back with their hands, grabbing the blade of one skate and pulling it straight over their head, and then performing the same action with the other skate.

Photo gallery

File:2019 Grand Prix Final - Yuzuru Hanyu EX (3).jpg| File:Caroline Zhang Spin EX 2008 Junior Worlds.jpg| File:Mirai Nagasu Spin 2008 Junior Worlds.jpg| File:Denis Ten Spin 2008-2009 JGPF.jpg| File:Martinez PHI Nebelhorn 2013 FP.JPG| File:Leung by Carmichael.jpg| File:Jamal Othman Spin - 2006 Skate Canada.jpg| File:Becky Bereswill Spin 2008-2009 JGPF.jpg| File:Douchine Zoya.jpg| File:2019 Internationaux de France Saturday ladies FS group 1 Lea SERNA 8D9A9516.jpg| File:Starr Andrews - 2018 Skate Canada - 07.jpg| File:Yuki Nishino Spin 2008 Junior Worlds.jpg|

References

Works cited

"ISU Technical Panel Handbook Single Skating 2025-2026" (Tech panel). International Skating Union. 25 July 2025. p. 24. Archived from the original on 12 August 2025. Retrieved 8 October 2025.

References

Tech panel, p. 14
Hines, James R.. (2006). "Figure Skating: A History". University of Illinois Press.
Tech panel, p. 8
Kestnbaum, Ellyn. (2003). "Culture on Ice: Figure Skating and Cultural Meaning". Wesleyan University Press.
(24 July 2013). "Ladies: Irina Slutskaya". International Skating Union.
(22 November 2008). "Slutskaya Is Savoring New Phase of Her Life". The New York Times.

Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

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