2010 Figure Skating - Short Program - Men's Seating Chart

The men's figure skating short program doesn't give the competitors very long to make an impression on the judges.

Because it is the shorter of the figure skating programs, it also makes it more exciting, as every single move is important.

There is are certain guidelines for the type of moves that should be performed during the program, but there is some leeway.

For the men, they must complete the following: a double or triple axel jump, a triple or quadruple jump, a jump combination, a flying spin, a camel spin or sit spin, a spin combination and two step sequences.

The performance is to last exactly two minutes and 50 seconds. If the program is shorter or longer than the time period allotted, points will be deducted from the skater's score.

The short program was first introduced to the sport in 1973, before which only the free skate existed.

The United States was not very successful at the 2006 Olympic Games, failing to win even one medal.

The team has higher hopes for this year, but powerhouses like China and Russia will present formidable challenges.