Camel spin

A camel spin, also known in Europe as a parallel spin, is one of the three basic figure skating spins, along with the sit spin and upright spin. The basic camel spin position is defined as one in which the free leg is extended backwards with the knee held above hip level.

History

Most sources credit the invention of the camel spin to British skater Cecilia Colledge, who first performed it successfully in competition in 1935. Like the layback spin, also invented by Colledge, the camel was originally considered a move for women only.

The origin of the spin's name is disputed. Most authorities believe that the name originated when a skater performed the spin with her upper body and free leg drooping down, giving the illusion of a hunched camel. According to figure skating coach Gustave Lussi, the spin was invented not by Cecilia Colledge but by an Australian skater named Campbell, thus explaining that "Campbell spin" became afflicted into "camel spin".

The Grafström spin may predate the invention of the "regular" camel spin. Although it is named after Gillis Grafström, its best practitioner is said to be Czechoslovakian skater Otto Gold, who won the silver medal at the 1930 European Figure Skating Championships.