This Figure Skater Is Basically a One-Woman AC/DC Tribute Band. The Internet Is Rocking Out Accordingly.
Ivett Toth sure knows how to stand out in a crowded field of female figure skaters for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Her solution: bring out the AC/DC. During the women’s figure skating short programs on Tuesday night in PyeongChang, Hungary’s Toth surprised crowds — both at the rink and around the world — with her unorthodox choice of music. And to many, she’s become an instant rock hero. Toth may be just 19, but there’s no doubt her clear love for the classic rock band transcends generational taste.
Most figure skaters have been sticking to more traditional soundtracks: the scores of Tchaikovsky classic Swan Lake and Bizet’s Carmen could be heard throughout Tuesday night at the Gangneung Ice Arena. Former champion Evgenia Medvedeva went a little more abstract, selecting a Chopin nocturne and incorporating the sound of her own breathing and a few words.
But it was Toth who raised eyebrows — and grabbed attention — with the “Back in Black” and “Thunderstruck” medley. She topped that off by coming costumed in a studded leather pant-and-vest combo with fingerless gloves, a far cry from her competitors’ delicate skirts and balletic tutus. Naturally, the internet was agog with her bold performance. And although Toth finished after the short program with 53.22 points, well behind the top-ranked Olympic athletes from Russia, she won’t soon be forgotten — even if she doesn’t make it to the medal podium.
New favorite skater ever: Ivett Toth, who is skating to AC/DC's Back in Black and Thunderstruck. I feel like I'm at an NFL game. (Or working out in the gym.) She's wearing what looks like leather biker gear. The old judges are nearly fainting. You be yourself, girl!
— Juliet Macur (@JulietMacur) February 21, 2018
I'd probably be a terrible figure skating judge because I'd automatically give Toth massive points for skating to AC/DC songs.
— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) February 21, 2018
Hm. I think Hungarian figure skater Ivett Toth is one of us, guys. pic.twitter.com/yW63Ig4poF
— jenniedelicious (@jenniedelicious) February 21, 2018
I still don't know the difference between a triple toe, lutz, axel, or what any of these things mean but figure skating to AC/DC at the Olympics should be an instant gold medal.
— ????Days of Sleeping ???? Nights of TCM???? (@vixticator) February 21, 2018
That’s Ivett Toth. She’s from Hungary. She’s skating to an @acdc medley. And she’s wearing an outfit with a picture of Angus on the back. So there’s a new leader in the clubhouse in the “things I never thought I’d see” contest. pic.twitter.com/fgRIdv9RKG
— Mike Gastineau (@gasman206) February 21, 2018
Shout out to Ivett Tóth who totally Rocked the Ice last night #BackInBlack pic.twitter.com/4L1SNk6rmS
— HOLLY GOLIGHTLY (@BroadSwordComic) February 21, 2018
Ivett Toth has my favorite costume so far. Pants, spikes. Get it, girl.
— Nikki (@AuroraBirdialis) February 21, 2018
Ivett Toth from Hungary just ROCKED the rink to AC/DC. Badass. pic.twitter.com/49CQrzcYAB
— scott ??????????? (@ScottMartineck) February 21, 2018