"I don't mind the sparkle - I think it's kind of a tradition in skating. I don't think the men really need sparkles, but for the women it's part of the glamour of our sport"

This quote by Kristi Yamaguchi speaks to the idea that sparkles belong of the custom of figure skating for ladies. She acknowledges that men do not necessarily need sparkles, but for ladies it belongs to the glamour of the sport. This quote speaks to the idea that figure skating is a sport that is greatly concentrated on visual appeals and discussion. It is a sport that is often seen as a kind of art, and the sparkles are a method to add a little additional flair and charm to the performance. Yamaguchi's quote also speaks with the concept that figure skating is a sport that is heavily gendered, with various expectations for males and females. While guys might not require sparkles, they are viewed as a required part of the efficiency for women. This quote is a reminder that figure skating is a sport that is both athletic and creative, and that the sparkles are a part of the custom that makes it so unique.