Amber Glenn of Texas emerged as the surprise winner of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, claiming her first national title after a decade of hard work. The 24-year-old skater delivered a powerful performance, landing a thrilling triple axel at the start of her free skate. However, she faced setbacks towards the end of her program, which seemed to have dashed her hopes of victory. But fate intervened, as her closest competitor, defending champion Isabeau Levito, also faltered, stumbling three times during her own routine.
The crowd in Columbus, Ohio, let out an audible gasp when Levito's score was announced, revealing her drop to third place. Glenn's tears of anguish turned into tears of joy as she realized that her score of 210.46 points was enough to secure her the coveted title. This triumph came after Glenn had previously claimed the U.S. junior championship a decade ago.
Reflecting on her unexpected victory, Glenn expressed her shock and gratitude. She acknowledged that her performance was not up to her desired standard, and recognized that both she and Levito were capable of much more. Nonetheless, she was overwhelmed by the realization that her years of hard work had paid off in becoming the nation's best.
Josephine Lee claimed the silver medal, propelled by her impressive free skate. Levito's disappointing performance relegated her to third place, concluding her reign as the defending champion.
In the men's event, Ilia Malinin stole the show with his seemingly effortless execution of challenging jumps. His breathtaking performance earned him a staggering 108.57 points, granting him the largest lead after a short program in the history of the national championships. The 19-year-old skater, known as the 'Quad God,' delivered a flawless quad toe loop and quad lutz-triple toe combination, followed by a smooth triple axel.
Relieved after his performance, Malinin shared that he had experienced boot malfunctions in recent weeks. However, he managed to overcome the obstacles, returning to an older pair of boots for the competition. As the reigning U.S. champion and the only skater in the world to have successfully landed a quad axel in competition, there is anticipation surrounding the possibility of witnessing this extraordinary jump from Malinin in his planned free skate.
Max Naumov surprised the audience by securing the second spot despite a minor issue with his triple axel. He earned 89.72 points, placing himself in contention for a podium finish after finishing fourth in the previous year's competition. Jason Brown, a fan-favorite known for his artistic and emotive performances, delighted the crowd despite a fall on his opening triple axel. Brown received 89.02 points, aiming to become the oldest man to stand on the podium since Todd Eldredge's victory in 2002.
The national championships will continue with the pairs free skate and the free dance on Saturday.
The stunning turn of events in the women's free skate showcased the resilience of Amber Glenn. Flashing her prowess, Glenn executed a formidable triple axel right at the beginning of her program, a feat that is rare among female skaters. She followed it up with impressive triple jump combinations, seemingly on her way to claiming the national title. However, her recurring struggles with late-program mistakes resurfaced, leading her to stumble on a jump sequence and ultimately delivering a single flip instead of a planned double flip. Nevertheless, Glenn's overall performance propelled her to victory.
Meanwhile, Isabeau Levito's performance began with a fall on her opening triple lutz-triple toe combination. She managed to regain composure and successfully execute the following three jumps, only to falter again on a triple flip and triple loop. As Levito concluded her skate, emotions overtook her as she broke down in tears, realizing that the national title had slipped from her grasp.
In an interview following her win, Glenn expressed her belief that she still had much more to offer on the ice. She recounted the immense pressure she faced after winning the junior nationals a decade ago, which ultimately overwhelmed her. Now, a decade later, Glenn's triumph is not only a testament to her resilience but also a symbol of her personal growth and perseverance.
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships continues to captivate audiences with remarkable performances. The competitive field showcases the incredible talent and dedication of these athletes, who continuously strive to push the boundaries of their sport. As the competition progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the pairs free skate and the free dance events, anticipating more unforgettable moments on the ice.
