<P> In London, figure skating was presented in four events: men's singles, women's singles, men's special figures, and mixed pairs . The special figures contest was won by Russian Nikolai Panin, who gave his country its first ever Olympic gold medal . He remains the event's sole winner, as it was subsequently dropped from the program . </P> <P> Ice dance joined as a medal sport in 1976, after appearing as a demonstration event at Grenoble 1968 . </P> <P> A team event debuted at the 2014 Olympics . It consists of two segments: qualification and finals . During qualification each team has one men's single skater, one ladies' single skater, one pair, and one ice dance couple skate their short program / dance . Before the finals, each team is allowed to replace up to two skaters / couples . The final consists of each skater / couple skating their short program / dance . Results are determined by placement points . </P> <P> The number of entries for the figure skating events at the Olympic Games is limited by a quota set by the International Olympic Committee . There are 30 participants in each singles events (ladies and men), 20 pairs, and 24 ice dance duos . </P>

When did team skating became an olympic event