16 Dazzling GIFs of Figure Skating Pairs at the Winter Olympics

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By Christine Erickson2014-02-11 21:57:48 UTC

The idea of figure skating in pairs is absolutely insane.

You're relying on another human being to completely sync with your every movement, often while being lifted, flipped and tossed into the air. Limbs are flinging everywhere, some with sharp steel blades. Not to mention the unforgivable ice that could send you home with more problems than a missing doorknob.

See also: The Evolution of Winter Olympics in GIFs

Yet somehow, these talented Olympic figure skaters turn our anxieties into a graceful synchronized routine that will leave you breathless.

Pairs figure skating is underway in Sochi, and these skaters have already wowed the crowds with incredible tricks. As of Tuesday, Russian skaters Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov are in the lead. Tune in Wednesday to see which couple takes home the gold.

Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite performance moments so far.

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Topics: figure skating, Olympics, Pics, Sports, Watercooler, Winter Olympics 2014

Image: AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda/Associated Press