Amber Glenn, the reigning champion at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, showcased resilience and determination during the free skate event after a disappointing short program. Vowing to 'go on the attack,' Glenn delivered a stellar performance that included a powerful triple axel and an elegant layback spin, earning her a total of 216.79 points.
Despite leading after the short program, Alysa Liu fell just short of victory due to minor mistakes in her free skate, finishing behind Glenn with 215.33 points. Bradie Tennell, who struggled with a fall on her triple lutz, was surpassed for third place by Sarah Everhardt.
Glenn, who entered the competition unbeaten for the season, expressed pride in her mental fortitude and progress. Her flawless execution of multiple triple jumps, including a standout triple axel, set the stage for her victory.
In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates dominated the rhythm dance portion with a captivating performance that paid homage to three decades of American music. Their score of 92.16 points placed them well ahead of their competitors, positioning them for a potential fourth consecutive national title.
Chock and Bates, aiming to tie the U.S. record for most national titles, are favorites heading into the world championships and the Winter Olympics next year. Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko secured second place with a lively routine, while Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik impressed with a medley of Bee Gees music.
The competition showcased a diverse range of styles and performances, highlighting the talent and dedication of the athletes as they vie for top honors in figure skating and ice dance.
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