Welcome to Hoffman Estates!

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3 Welcome to Hoffman Estates! On behalf of U.S. Figure Skating, it is my pleasure to welcome you to 2016 Progressive Skate America. We are excited to begin what we know will be a great year for Team USA and the sport of figure skating as we host the first event of the 22nd ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. Skate America features 60 competitors from 13 countries descending on Hoffman Estates to showcase their talents. As the season continues, these athletes will compete for national titles and a spot on their respective nation s world team. We wish them success as they embark on the season. U.S. Figure Skating thanks Sears Centre Arena, the local skating community and our national and local partners for their support. I would like to thank the coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, fans and staff for your enduring support. And to the athletes, your determination, character and love of your craft help make the sport what it is today. I look forward to outstanding performances by some of the world s most talented athletes and I hope you enjoy the competition! Sincerely, Samuel Auxier President, U.S. Figure Skating 1

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5 Welcome spectators! U.S. Figure Skating welcomes you to 2016 Progressive Skate America at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. For three days, some of the best athletes in the sport of figure skating will compete for ladies, men s, pairs and ice dance titles. Skate America is the kickoff event to the 22nd annual International Skating Union Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. The Series includes six competitions held in October and November in the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Russia and France. Skaters are awarded points at the two events in which they compete. The top six point-earners in each discipline secure spots at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Dec in Marseille, France Progressive Skate America includes competitors from Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Latvia, Russia, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States. Two-time and reigning U.S. champion Gracie Gold and World silver medalist Ashley Wagner normally don t square off until the Grand Prix Final or U.S. Championships, but the two will meet at Skate America. They ll contend for a spot on the podium against a strong international field, led by three-time World champion and 2010 Olympic silver medalist Mao Asada of Japan. The men s event is loaded with talent and athleticism. The last two U.S. champions, Jason Brown (2015) and Adam Rippon (2016), will showcase their world-class performance talents against some of the planet s top jumpers in China s Boyang Jin, 2016 World bronze medalist; Japan s Shoma Uno, who earlier this year became the first man to land a quad flip in competition; and Kazakhstan s Denis Ten, the 2014 Olympic bronze medalist. U.S. pairs champions Tarah Kayne and Danny O Shea look to build upon their best season to date. The Florida-based team faces a field that features Russia s Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov, the 2016 European bronze medalists; and Canada s Julianne Seguin and Charlie Bilodeau, 2015 Skate America bronze medalists. Team USA s Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier, silver medalists at 2014 Skate America in Chicago, return after missing last year because of a knee injury to Denney. In ice dance, U.S. champions and World silver medalists Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani are favorites to win gold. Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue, the threetime and reigning U.S. bronze medalists, figure to be in the medal chase. Russia s Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev, the 2013 World bronze medalists, have the experience together to contend for a medal. U.S. Figure Skating and the ISU hope you enjoy 2016 Progressive Skate America and your visit to the Chicago area. Table of Contents COMPETITORS/EVENT SCHEDULE..5 EVENT PREVIEW...6 ISU GRAND PRIX TEAM USA ACTION PHOTOS LADIES SCORING GUIDE MEN...24 SCORING GUIDE...29 PAIRS...32 SCORING GUIDE...37 ICE DANCE...38 SCORING GUIDE...43 U.S. FIGURE SKATING...44 TEAM USA...46 PAST MEDALISTS...48 TEAM USA FUN FACTS...50 PHIL HERSH

6 Sam Rudden Keeps his mental edge even when the blades come off #GetUp WeGetUp.com

7 COMPETITORS LADIES MEN Mao ASADA JAPAN Gabrielle DALEMAN CANADA Gracie GOLD UNITED STATES Angelina KUCHVALSKA LATIVA Julia LIPNITSKAIA RUSSIA Mai MIHARA JAPAN Kanako MURAKAMI JAPAN So Youn PARK KOREA Roberta RODEGHIERO ITALY Serafima SAKHANOVICH RUSSIA Ashley WAGNER UNITED STATES Angela WANG UNITED STATES Jason BROWN UNITED STATES Tim DOLENSKY UNITED STATES Jorik HENDRICKX BELGIUM Boyang JIN CHINA Brendan KERRY AUSTRALIA Maxim KOVTUN RUSSIA Daisuke MURAKAMI JAPAN Nam NGUYEN CANADA Adam RIPPON UNITED STATES Denis TEN KAZAKHSTAN Shoma UNO JAPAN Sergei VORONOV RUSSIA PAIRS Kristina ASTAKHOVA/ Alexei ROGONOV RUSSIA Marissa CASTELLI/ Mervin TRAN UNITED STATES Haven DENNEY/ Brandon FRAZIER UNITED STATES Vanessa JAMES/ Morgan CIPRES FRANCE Tarah KAYNE/ Danny O SHEA UNITED STATES Valentina MARCHEI/ Ondrej HOTAREK ITALY Julianne SEGUIN/ Charlie BILODEAU CANADA Evgenia TARASOVA/ Vladimir MOROZOV RUSSIA ICE DANCE Alisa AGAFONOVA/ Alper UCAR TURKEY Ekaterina BOBROVA/ Dmitri SOLOVIEV RUSSIA Charlene GUIGNARD/ Marco FABBRI ITALY Madison HUBBELL/ Zachary DONOHUE UNITED STATES Yura MIN/ Alexander GAMELIN KOREA Elena LLINYKH/ Rusian ZHIGANSHIN RUSSIA Kana MURAMOTO/ Chris REED JAPAN ELLIANA POGREBINSKY/ ALEX BENOIT UNITED STATES Maia SHIBUTANI/ Alex SHIBUTANI/ UNITED STATES Isabella TOBIAS/ llia TKACHENKO ISRAEL Schedule Friday, Oct P.M. Ladies Short Program 9 P.M. Pairs Short Program Saturday, Oct P.M. Men s Short Program 3 P.M. Ladies Free Skate 8 P.M. Short Dance 8:40 P.M. Pairs Free Skate Sunday, Oct :30 A.M. Men s Free Skate 1:45 P.M. Free Dance 6:30 P.M. Smuckers Skating Spectacular 5

8 PHOTOS BY HANNAH FOSLIEN/GETTY IMAGES 6 Ashley Wagner and Gracie Gold

9 PREPARE TO FACE OFF IN GRAND PRIX OPENER BY LYNN RUTHERFORD PHOTO BY MADDIE MEYER/GETTY IMAGES PHOTO BY TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GETTY IMAGES This weekend's Progressive Skate America in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates offers fans something new: Ashley Wagner and Gracie Gold squaring off in a Grand Prix event. It s sure going to be an intense start to the season, Wagner said. Usually, we expect our first competition to be the Grand Prix Final. For me, it will be good to get prepared right off the bat and know what I m up against. Gold reigns as U.S. champion, but it s Wagner who arrives with the upper hand. The three-time U.S. champion had career-best performances at the 2016 World Figure Skating Championships, where she won the silver medal. After months of hard training under coach Rafael Arutunian this summer, she heads into her campaign more confident than ever. I will show up fit and ready to go, Wagner vowed. Heading into the (2018) Olympics, this rivalry is only going to build, and that s exciting for skating fans to watch. I m ready to play my role. Gold won bronze when Skate America was last held at Sears Centre Arena in She spent part of the offseason regrouping from a disappointing fourth-place finish at the 2016 World Championships, but after she licked her wounds, Gold and coach Frank Carroll prepared her most technically packed programs to date. Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani Adam Rippon I m jazzed for it, Gold said of the matchup with Wagner. I grew up skating in the Chicago area and I ve competed at this rink. It s familiar territory and that s always good. Angela Wang, winner of two international medals last season, makes her Skate America debut. The three U.S. ladies will square off against one of the all-time greats: three-time World champion Mao Asada of Japan, who won the event in ICE DANCE Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani skate this season s short dance to Frank Sinatra s That s Life, and to paraphrase the lyrics, they re back on top with their first U.S. title and a World silver medal. The siblings would like nothing better than to add a Skate America title to their growing résumé. There s a kind of swagger to [ That s Life ] that, at this point in our career, we really like, Alex said. Our programs this season are some of the most dynamic we ve ever done. We can t wait to start competing this season, Maia said. Our movement, our choreography, how we ve grown we really think our programs are exactly the right next step for us. Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue are also strong bets for the podium. The U.S. bronze medalists, who moved to train in Montreal, Quebec, last season, are coming off a sixth place at Worlds. There is some pressure to do well at Skate America, Hubbell admitted. We took a big leap and now if we don t take another leap, it could feel disappointing. Our coaches have been reminding us that if you do the work, then the reward will be there. Two Russian couples Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev, and Elena llinykh and Ruslan Zhiganshin will challenge the U.S. teams. MEN Adam Rippon made his senior Grand Prix debut at Skate America in 2008 and won a silver medal in But he counts this Skate America as perhaps the most special. As U.S. champion, you expect to be asked to do Skate America, and I m glad I got it, he said. It s a chance for me to get the home-ice advantage, not have any sort of travel jet lag. I m going to do two events beforehand, so I feel I ll be ready. Rippon, who placed a career-high sixth in the world last season, thinks that at age 26, he is hitting his peak. He hopes to add a quadruple toe loop to his jump arsenal in time for Skate America. I never want to look back and say, I could have done more as a skater, Rippon said. Competing at his fourth consecutive Skate America, 2015 U.S. champion Jason Brown missed most of last season with a back injury. Fully recovered, the exuberant show- 7

10 8 PHOTO BY HANNAH FOSLIEN/GETTY IMAGES Tarah Kayne and Danny O'Shea man could well land a quad or two at the Sears Centre Arena, but well-balanced, entertaining programs remain his primary focus. I don t want people to look down at their phones while I m spinning, because they re waiting for the jumps, Brown said. I m trying to be an all-around performer. I want to draw skating fans in. Tim Dolensky, seventh in the U.S. last season, earned the coveted third men s spot with impressive competitions this summer. China s Boyang Jin, who landed a record six quadruple jumps en route to the World bronze medal last season, makes his Skate America debut Olympic bronze medalist Denis Ten of Kazakhstan, as well as Japan s Shoma Uno, are also on hand. PAIRS When Tarah Kayne and Danny O Shea competed at Skate America last season, it was their first-ever Grand Prix event. This season, they return as U.S. pairs champions. I think we re a lot better prepared to go this year, mentally. We know what to expect, O Shea said. We ll be a little calmer about things, and you always perform a little better that way. Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier won the silver medal when Skate America was held in Hoffman Estates in This season, their return to Sears Centre Arena is another step in Denney s recovery from a serious knee injury that cost them the entire season. Our plan is to be as consistent as possible and put out good, solid programs, Frazier said. We re thinking about the big picture, staying healthy and building toward 2018 (Olympics) Skate America bronze medalists Julianne Seguin and Charlie Biloudeau of Canada are regarded as one of the sports up-and-coming teams and medal contenders again. U.S. GRAND PRIX ASSIGNMENTS (lineup subject to change) SKATE AMERICA Oct , Chicago (Hoffman Estates) Gracie Gold Ashley Wagner Angela Wang Jason Brown Tim Dolensky Adam Rippon Marissa Castelli/Mervin Tran Haven Denney/Brandon Frazier Tarah Kayne/Danny O Shea Madison Hubbell/Zachary Donohue Elliana Pogrebinsky/Alex Benoit Maia Shibutani/Alex Shibutani SKATE CANADA INTERNATIONAL Oct , Mississauga, Canada Mirai Nagasu Grant Hochstein Ross Miner Haven Denney/Brandon Frazier Madison Chock/Evan Bates Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker ROSTELECOM CUP Nov. 4 6, Moscow Polina Edmunds Courtney Hicks Max Aaron Alexa Scimeca Knierim/Chris Knierim Madison Chock/Evan Bates Elliana Pogrebinsky/Alex Benoit TROPHÈE DE FRANCE Nov , Paris Gracie Gold Tyler Pierce Nathan Chen Adam Rippon Marissa Castelli/Mervin Tran Madison Hubbell/Zachary Donohue CUP OF CHINA Nov , Beijing Karen Chen Ashley Wagner Courtney Hicks Max Aaron Ross Miner Alexa Scimeca Knierim/Chris Knierim Anastasia Cannuscio/Colin McManus Maia Shibutani/Alex Shibutani NHK TROPHY Nov , Sapporo, Japan Mirai Nagasu Polina Edmunds Karen Chen Grant Hochstein Nathan Chen Jason Brown Anastasia Cannuscio/Colin McManus Tarah Kayne/Danny O Shea Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker GRAND PRIX FINAL Dec. 8 11, Marseille, France

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12 CHALLENGES BREED CHAMPIONS We salute the world s elite figure skaters who transform challenges into opportunity through talent, persistence and innovation. Their hard work and tireless commitment to the pursuit of excellence are qualities that resonate strongly with Prudential. After all, we ve helped people, organizations and communities meet their challenges for over 140 years. We re proud to be the title sponsor for the 2017 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Please join us in congratulating the athletes who will compete for the title of champion. Their dedication to an ideal inspires us all. prudential.com Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc., and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide

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14 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating This season marks the 22nd year for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. The series, launched in 1995, combines six prestigious, international figure skating competitions as a unified point-earning series that awards prize money to eligible figure skaters. Progressive Skate America, Oct , Chicago (Hoffman Estates) SKATER SELECTIONS One of the biggest misconceptions is that each country assigns its own skaters to the six Grand Prix events. Here, we ve outlined the selection process, used for the first time in Essentially, there are three different classifications of skaters for the Grand Prix Series. All skaters and ice dance couples may compete in a maximum of two events. 1. Seeded Skaters/Couples: The top six finishers in each discipline from the most recent World Championships will be considered to be seeded and be assigned, by draw, to skate in two events. 2. Invited Skaters/Couples: Skaters or couples who have placed 7 12 in each discipline at the 2016 World Championships are guaranteed to be selected for two Grand Prix events, provided that these skaters/couples fulfill the requirements of the minimum score. 3. Minimum Score: Each entrant to the Grand Prix events must meet the minimum total score (SP/SD + FS/FD) or a minimum technical score (SP/SD and FS/FD) to be included in the entry or the alternate list. For the 2015 Grand Prix season, the minimum scores are: Minimum total score: Men: Ladies: Pairs: Ice Dance: Minimum technical score: SP/SD FS/FD Ladies: Men: Pairs: Ice Dance: Skaters/couples who have scored at least the above mentioned limit in an ISU Championships, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating and Final (Junior or Senior) between July 1, 2015, and May 31, 2016, are eligible for selection into the 2016 Grand Prix events or in the alternate list. POINT SYSTEM Points are awarded to the competitors at each of the six events based on final placement. At the conclusion of the six Grand Prix events, athletes points are totaled, and the top six point-earners in ladies, men, pairs and ice dancing are invited to compete at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Here is the breakdown of points awarded by place: Men and Ladies 1st place: 15 points 2nd place: 13 points 3rd place: 11 points 4th place: 9 points 5th place: 7 points 6th place: 5 points 7th place: 4 points 8th place: 3 points Pairs and Ice Dance 1st place: 15 points 2nd place: 13 points 3rd place: 11 points 4th place: 9 points 5th place: 7 points 6th place: 5 points PRIZE MONEY In addition to receiving points to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix Final, the top five place-winners in the Grand Prix Series events are awarded prize money. Prize money for all disciplines at Grand Prix Series events is (prize is split between partners in pairs and dance): 1st: $18,000 2nd: $13,000 3rd: $9,000 4th: $3,000 5th: $2,000 Prize money for all disciplines at the Grand Prix Final is (split between partners in pairs and dance): 1st: $25,000 2nd: $18,000 3rd: $12,000 4th: $6,000 5th: $4,000 6th: $3,000 Skate Canada International, Oct , Mississauga, Canada Rostelecom Cup, Nov. 4 6, Moscow TROPHÈE de France, Nov , Paris Cup of China, Nov , Beijing NHK Trophy, Nov , Sapporo, Japan Grand Prix Final, Dec. 8 11, Marseille, France 12

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16 TEAM USA IN ACTION PHOTOS BY JAY ADEFF/U.S. FIGURE SKATING AND GETTY IMAGES Jason Brown Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue Gracie Gold Ashley Wagner Tarah Kayne and Danny O'Shea 14 Tim Dolensky Angela Wang

17 Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier Marissa Castelli and Mervin Tran TEAM USA IN ACTION Elliana Pogrebinsky and Alex Benoit Adam Rippon PHOTOS BY JAY ADEFF/U.S. FIGURE SKATING AND GETTY IMAGES Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani 15

18 BORN May 16, BORN Aug. 17, 1995 BIRTHPLACE Newton, Mass. HEIGHT 5 6 HOMETOWN Redondo Beach, Calif. TRAINING TOWN El Segundo, Calif. COACH Frank Carroll CHOREOGRAPHER Lori Nichol Gracie GOLD UNITED STATES 2014, 2016 U.S. champion 2014 Olympic Team Event bronze medalist 2013, 2015 U.S. silver medalist BIRTHPLACE Heidelberg, Germany HEIGHT 5 3 HOMETOWN Alexandria, Va. TRAINING TOWN Lakewood, Calif. COACH Rafael Arutunian, Nadia Kanaeva CHOREOGRAPHER Shae-Lynn Bourne, Jeffrey Buttle Ashley WAGNER UNITED STATES 2016 World silver medalist 2014 Olympic Team Event bronze medalist 2012, 2013, 2015 U.S. champion

19 BORN July 30, 1996 BIRTHPLACE Salt Lake City HEIGHT 5 1 HOMETOWN Salt Lake City, Utah TRAINING TOWN Colorado Springs, Colo. COACH Christy Krall, Ryan Bradley, Erik Schulz CHOREOGRAPHER Phillip Mills, Jeffrey Buttle Angela WANG UNITED STATES 2015 U.S. International Classic bronze medalist 2009 U.S. novice bronze medalist BORN Sept. 25, 1990 BIRTHPLACE Nagoya, Japan HEIGHT 5 4 HOMETOWN Nagoya, Japan TRAINING TOWN Toyota/Shin-Yokohama, Japan COACH Nobuo Sato, Kumiko Sato, Reiko Kobayashi CHOREOGRAPHER Lori Nichol Mao ASADA JAPAN 2010 Olympic silver medalist 2008, 2010, 2014 World champion 17

20 18 GABRIELLE DALEMAN CANADA 2015 Canadian champion 2016 Canadian silver medalist BORN Jan. 13, 1998 BIRTHPLACE Toronto, Ontario, Canada HEIGHT 5 1 HOMETOWN Newmarket, Ontario, Canada TRAINING TOWN Toronto, Ontario, Canada COACH Lee Barkell, Brian Orser CHOREOGRAPHER Lori Nichol ANGELINA KUCHVALSKA LATVIA 2015, 2016 Latvian champion 2016 European Championships, fourth place BORN Dec. 6, 1998 BIRTHPLACE Riga, Latvia HEIGHT 5 4 HOMETOWN Riga, Latvia TRAINING TOWN Riga, Saldus, Latvia COACH Jekaterina Platonova CHOREOGRAPHER Benoit Richaud, Natalja Lipska JULIA LIPNITSKAIA RUSSIA 2014 European champion 2014 Olympic Team Event champion 2014 World silver medalist BORN June 5, 1998 BIRTHPLACE Ekaterinburg, Russia HEIGHT 5 2 HOMETOWN Sochi, Russia TRAINING TOWN Sochi, Russia COACH Alexei Urmanov CHOREOGRAPHER Olga Poverennaia, Stephanie Lambiel, Alexei Urmanov MAI MIHARA JAPAN 2016 Junior Grand Prix Final, sixth place BORN Aug. 22, 1999 BIRTHPLACE Kobe, Japan HEIGHT 4 11 HOMETOWN Kobe, Japan TRAINING TOWN Hyogo, Japan COACH Sonoko Nakano, Mitsuko Graham CHOREOGRAPHER Massimo Scali, Yuka Sato KANAKO MURAKAMI JAPAN 2014 Four Continents champion 2010 World Junior champion 2010 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist BORN Nov. 7, 1994 BIRTHPLACE Nagoya, Japan HEIGHT 5 3 HOMETOWN Nagoya, Japan TRAINING TOWN Nagoya, Japan COACH Machiko Yamada, Mihoko Higuchi CHOREOGRAPHER Mihoko Higuchi SO YOUN PARK KOREA 2015 South Korean champion 2014 Olympian 2013 South Korean silver medalist BORN Oct. 24, 1997 BIRTHPLACE Busan, South Korea HEIGHT 5 2 HOMETOWN Seoul, South Korea TRAINING TOWN Taeneung, South Korea COACH Hyun Jung Chi CHOREOGRAPHER Cindy Stuart, David Wilson ROBERTA RODEGHIERO ITALY 2015, 2016 Italian silver medalist 2014 Italian bronze medalist BORN April 7, 1990 BIRTHPLACE Schio, Italy HEIGHT 5 3 HOMETOWN Asiago, Italy TRAINING TOWN Montreal, Asiago, Sesto San Giovanni, Andalo COACH Franca Bianconi, Rosanna Murante, Valter Rizzo CHOREOGRAPHER Barbara Melica, Massimo Scali, Julie Marcotte, Corrado Gordani SERAFIMA SAKHANOVICH RUSSIA 2014, 2015 World Junior silver medalist 2014, 2015 Junior Grand Prix Final silver medalist BORN Feb. 9, 2000 BIRTHPLACE Saint Petersburg, Russia HEIGHT 4 11 HOMETOWN Saint Petersburg, Russia TRAINING TOWN St. Petersburg, Russia COACH Evgeni Rukavicin CHOREOGRAPHER Olga Glinka, Valentin Molotov

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22 2015 SKATE AMERICA CHAMPION Evgenia MEDVEDEVA RUSSIA Evgenia Medvedeva, 15, made her Grand Prix Series debut in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, winning 2015 Skate America. Just a few months earlier, she claimed the World Junior title. After Skate America, Medvedeva went on to earn the silver medal at the Rostelecom Cup in her native country. Her success at the two Grand Prix events qualified her for the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona, Spain, where she won the title by 14 points. From there, Medvedeva claimed the European Championships before capping her campaign with a victory at the World Championships in Boston. PAST CHAMPIONS Note: Skate America competitions were not held in 1980, 1984 and 1987 Evgenia Medvedeva (RUS) Elena Radionova (RUS) Mao Asada (JPN) Ashley Wagner (USA) Alissa Czisny (USA) Kanako Murakami (JPN) Yu-Na Kim (KOR) Yu-Na Kim (KOR) Kimmie Meissner (USA) Miki Ando (JPN) Elena Sokolova (RUS) Angela Nikodinov (USA) Sasha Cohen (USA) Michelle Kwan (USA) Michelle Kwan (USA) Michelle Kwan (USA) Michelle Kwan (USA) Maria Butyrskaya (RUS) Michelle Kwan (USA) Michelle Kwan (USA) Michelle Kwan (USA) Surya Bonaly (FRA) Oksana Baiul (UKR) Yuka Sato (JPN) Tonya Harding (USA) Kristi Yamaguchi (USA) Tonya Harding (USA) Claudia Leistner (FRG) Tiffany Chin (USA) Debi Thomas (USA) Tiffany Chin (USA) Rosalynn Sumners (USA) Vikki de Vries (USA) Lisa-Marie Allen (USA)

23 SCORING GUIDE REQUIRED ELEMENTS SHORT PROGRAM: The short program consists of seven required elements: three jumps, three spins and one step sequence to music selected by the skater. DURATION: 2:40 (+/- 10 seconds) JUMPS: Double or triple Axel; a solo jump that must be a triple with entry steps required; a combination jump consisting of either a triple-triple or triple-double SPINS: A flying spin with a minimum of eight revolutions; a combination spin with only one change of foot, at least two different basic positions and a minimum of six revolutions on each foot; a layback/ sideways leaning, camel or sit spin with a minimum of eight revolutions; the landing position of the flying spin must be different from the layback/sideways leaning, camel or sit spin. STEPS: Any step sequence FREE SKATE: The well-balanced free skate includes a maximum number of elements but has no minimum. The skater should pay attention to interesting transitions, connecting steps and movements between elements. DURATION: 4 minutes (+/- 10 seconds) JUMPS: Can include a maximum of seven jump elements; one must be an Axeltype jump; only two triple or quad jumps can be repeated, and, if repeated, at least one attempt must be part of a jump combination or jump sequence; there may be up to three jump combinations or sequences; no more than one jump combination may consist of three jumps. SPINS: A maximum of three spins of a different nature, one of which must be a spin combination; one must have a flying entry; and one must have only one position STEPS: A maximum of one step sequence; and a maximum of one choreographic sequence. SHORT PROGRAM AND FREE SKATE Mao Asada, JPN Gabrielle Daleman, CAN Gracie Gold, USA Angelina Kuchvalska, LAT Julia Lipnitskaia, RUS Mai Mihara, JPN Kanako Murakami, JPN So Youn Park, KOR Roberta Rodeghiero, ITA Serafima Sakhanovich, RUS Ashley Wagner, USA Angela Wang, USA TOTAL ELEMENT SCORE (TECHNICAL) SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE TOTAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS SCORE SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE TOTAL SEGMENT SCORE SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE SEGMENT PLACE SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE COMPILED SCORES AND FINAL STANDINGS SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE TOTAL COMPETITION FINAL PLACE Mao Asada, JPN Gabrielle Daleman, CAN Gracie Gold, USA Angelina Kuchvalska, LAT Julia Lipnitskaia, RUS Mai Mihara, JPN Kanako Murakami, JPN So Youn Park, KOR Roberta Rodeghiero, ITA Serafima Sakhanovich, RUS Ashley Wagner, USA Angela Wang, USA 21

24 We thank the Greater Chicagoland Learn to Skate USA Committee for its ongoing support of Skate America. The committee, composed of the most dedicated skating directors representing two dozen rinks in the Chicago area, uses a team approach to deliver quality programs to its skating community. U.S. Figure Skating commends its efforts and commitment to membership growth in our sport. Brenda Glidewell, Director, Membership Development, U.S. Figure Skating The Greater Chicagoland Learn to Skate USA Committee was formed seven years ago by seven local skating directors from local park districts and privately owned facilities. Each skating director was in search of a new approach that would strengthen participation, so they teamed up to get the job done. Today there are 24 Learn to Skate USA rinks in the Chicago area and the Greater Chicagoland Learn to Skate USA Committee is thrilled to find itself growing and thriving. Through its ability to work as a team, the committee has given its members the opportunity to nurture and develop each student s skating skills while participating in group outings, hosting the Greater Chicagoland Learn to Skate USA Championship and attending monthly meetings. During the Smucker s Skating Spectacular, more than 200 skaters representing the Chicagoland Learn to Skate USA Committee rinks will perform, skating to a program choreographed by Loni Bertone and 1988 Olympian Susie Wynne. U.S. Figure Skating extends its sincerest thanks to the following rinks and directors involved with the Learn to Skate USA Committee Partnership and congratulates them on their success: All Seasons Ice Rinks Dona Bengson and Vicki Revere Canlan Ice Sports Megan MacLeod Carlson Ice Arena Monique Bailey Carol Stream Ice Arena Barb Giblin Crystal Ice House Kim Johnson Downners Grove Ice Arena Barb Foltz Fox Valley Ice Arena Rockne Brubaker Glacier Ice Arena Chris Heiser Glenview Ice Center Dorie Cascio Highland Park Centennial Sheila Lonergan and Inga Fedorova Ice Valley Ice Centre Ice Arena Angela Pace-Tousignant Leaf Ice Centre Stefania Berton Morgan Park Sports Center Kathy Janik Pleasant Prairie RecPlex Ice Arena Jane Boundy Rink Side Sports Ice Arena Laura Baran Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex Cathy Brown Rocket Ice Arena Michelle Tepkasetkul Seven Bridges Ice Arena Gerianne Johnson Skokie Skatium Kerry Murphy Southwest Ice Arena Paula Bowsman Triphahn Ice Arena Missy Motyka Winnetka Ice Arena Ashley Coveny Congratulations to the Learn to Skate USA skaters performing in the Smucker s Skating Spectacular! PRODUCTION A Maya Rankov Kaitlyn Morales Grace Caliendo Madalyn Pleva Elizabeth Laketa Olivia Pleva Anja Weber Dawn Claerbout Brooke Claerbout Chloe Shedden Siriana Gomez MadelynDonovan Leah Hamwi Jiaying Johnson Mylah Kirk Sioban Whalen Grace Demilio Daria Stephany Hannah Roberts Giuliana Aiello Alina Bergquist Jennifer Brant Peyton Moran Josh Rosen Sloane Farber Claire McTaggart Piper Micari Taylor Keno Leah Wernick Kayli McGinnis Hannah Campbell Valerie Dickson Morgan Mayer Elena Barton Reagan Heldt Emilee Krenkel Kylie Patnaude Bella Regas Jamie Payne Haley Corsbie Anika Le Autumn Rivera Kennedy Madden Charlotte Johnson Shannon Wiebers Jennifer Stenzel Katya Murua Mina Donovan Ariel Ellison Madelyn Strom Natalie Hopper Brooke Janeczek Gabbie Martineau Sara Morales Erin Pettey Rayna Saha Alexia Whitman-Justo Gracie Gacek Lindsey Ahn Ella Kunath Mia Kunath Sami Palansky Julia Marshall Victoria Figuroa Sammie Wiggins Cecilia Baker Mary Caserio Isabelle Fischer Mia Hales Mollie Hersh Claire Huston Gia Neri Oliver Calderini Emmaline Calderini Cameron Calderini Ian Davern Payton Granzyk Emily Robertson Matthew Curtis Alexandria Velazquez Nicole Bute Amanda Myketiak Madeleine Walsh Cassandra Cowen Madeleine Willey Rachel Udit Ellie Dillon Morgan Flaska Sydney Chesta Delaney Chesta Kyleigh Buelow Anaid Braun Claudia Vargas-Murray Ashley Herzing Isabella Ecklund Victoria Fernandez Elizabeth Fernandez Olivia Benitez Grace Pfeiffer Isabella Leskaj Maria Lemperis Katie Haldes Gaia Levy Mila Albazi Rosie Sakmunwong Molly Basantes Abigail Davis Emily Masters Vesela Meteva Allison Neverouski Jeanna Soriano Maggie Hays PRODUCTION B Emily Lepek Maddie Drafall Brianna Hopf Lindsey McCoy Hailey McCoy Natalie Nusgart Samantha Linceviciute Veronika Cerednicenko Larissa Leonard Faith Sutton Maybritt Praus Emily Schriever Abby Schriever Natalie Abramat Erin McDonnell Madison Peterson Isabelle Regillio Natalie Alexander Angelica Markantonis Olivia McCafferty Caysie Reuter Emma Drew Suwanski Veronica Zancho Karolina Pintinas Annie Bartholomew Madison Kracht Gigi Young Sarah Wade Adrielle Lee Sophia Kracht Alejandra Galarza Rino Ishimori Victoria Jazin Hana Asghari Rachel Buchanan Zoe Kaiser Colleen Paisley Savannah Paisley Jacy Robbins Chloe Schmidt Ayden Smith Campbell Saks Devyn Mann Lillykate Carr Trystyn Duke Brooke Goberville Daniel Christenson Katelyn Testa Grace Stahla Madelyn Fischer Jacob Garcia Miranda Garcia Diane Ainley Nola Mandell Maya James Sydney Mandell Kalea Lamphier Elisabeth Schopp Dana Hong Quinn McCormick Beila Gomez Zoey Zwiefelhofer Allison Dietz Hayley Glore Aly Murphy Chloe Noel Hampson Bethany Ewert Kate Bos Reese Sundell Maddie Carter Madison Chrusciel Cissa Kunigk-Bakalar Iyanna Lusk Tessa McConville Jackie Owen Lillie Porter Lily Scully-Granzeier Lila Shea Charlotte Shea Lauren Winchell Clair Liu Urte Valeisa Anabel Smith Elizabeth Walther Clarissa Ungos Allison Hanley Mikenzie Rea Sophia Chen Delia Lipkin Megan Gartner Jacob Levy Hailey Keating Talia Scott Maddie Coyle Simona Laudicina Phoebe McConnell Emily Bailey Sara Melman Lana Gillman Mary Helen Youseph Libby Hays Jessye Gassel Grace Geraghty Jasmine Gloria Lorelei Trimberger Talie Lafayette Jillian Zidek Emily Renner Kornelia Bazan Alyssa Meyer Madi Minehart Stefanie Dragan CHOREOGRAPHERS Susie Wynn Loni Bertone Julie Shaull Shelly Perrone Jennifer Zambrano Renee Brainerd Zane Shropshire Beth Krejnik Tara Hoffmann

25 SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH... NATIONWIDE COVERAGE Our Average Customer s Monthly Bill.* Many pay even less as plans start at just $10/month. 99% OF THE U.S. POPULATION The Nation s Largest Cellular Networks. RECOGNIZED BY J.D. POWER Highest in Customer Service among Non-Contract Wireless Providers. 100% RISK FREE GUARANTEE 30 Days. Zero Obligation. OUR SERVICE IS GUARANTEED. We Offer a Variety of Phones From Simple to Smart. You Can Bring Your Own Phone FREE SIM Cards. FREE Activation A $35 Value. Special benefi ts for AARP members. CONSUMER CELLULAR IS PROUD TO BE AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF U.S. FIGURE SKATING AND SPONSOR OF THE U.S. FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS CALL CONSUMER CELLULAR AT (888) VISIT US ONLINE AT ConsumerCellular.com/USFS ALSO AVAILABLE AT 2016 Consumer Cellular, Inc. New service activation on approved credit. Cellular service is not available in all areas and is subject to system limitations. Terms and Conditions subject to change. Consumer Cellular received the highest numerical score among 8 non-contract wireless providers in the J.D. Power 2016 Wireless Customer Care Full Service Study Vol. 2., based on 2,543 total responses, measuring the perceptions and experiences of current customers who contacted their carrier s customer care department within the past three months, surveyed January-June Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com *Average customer pays $22.61 per month per line based on the average customer bill per month, per line as of July, AARP member benefi ts are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

26 24 BORN Dec. 15, 1994 BIRTHPLACE Los Angeles HEIGHT 5 7 HOMETOWN Highland Park, Ill. TRAINING TOWN Monument, Colo. COACH Kori Ade, Rohene Ward CHOREOGRAPHER Rohene Ward Jason BROWN UNITED STATES 2015 U.S. champion 2014 Olympic Team Event Bronze Medalist 2014 U.S. silver medalist BORN Nov. 11, 1989 BIRTHPLACE Scranton, Pa. HEIGHT 5 7 HOMETOWN Clarks Summit, Pa. TRAINING TOWN Lakewood, Calif. COACH Rafael Arutunian, Vera Arutunian, Nadia Kanaeva CHOREOGRAPHER Jeffrey Buttle, Benji Schwimmer Adam RIPPON UNITED STATES 2016 U.S. champion 2012, 2015 U.S. silver medalist

27 BORN July 18, 1992 BIRTHPLACE Birmingham, Ala. HEIGHT 5 6 HOMETOWN Kennesaw, Ga. TRAINING TOWN Kennesaw/ Alpharetta, Ga. COACH Debbie Prachar, Brittney Bottoms, Graham Payne CHOREOGRAPHER Brittney Bottoms, Ryan Jahnke BORN Oct. 3, 1997 BIRTHPLACE Harbin, China HEIGHT 5 5 HOMETOWN Harbin, China TRAINING TOWN Harbin, China COACH Zhaoxiao Xu, Caishu Fu CHOREOGRAPHER Lori Nichol Tim DOLENSKY UNITED STATES 2016 U.S. Championships, seventh 2012 U.S. junior silver medalist Boyang JIN CHINA 2016 World bronze medalist 2016 Four Continents silver medalist Chinese champion 25

28 JORIK HENDRICKX BELGIUM 2016 Belgian champion 2014 Olympian BORN May 18, 1992 BIRTHPLACE Turnhout, Belgium HEIGHT 5 9 HOMETOWN Arendonk, Belgium TRAINING TOWN Turnhout, Belgium COACH Carine Herrygers CHOREOGRAPHER Adam Solya BRENDAN KERRY AUSTRALIA 2012, Australian champion 2014 Olympian BORN Nov. 18, 1994 BIRTHPLACE Sydney, Australia HEIGHT 5 8 HOMETOWN Sydney, Australia TRAINING TOWN Riverside, Calif. COACH Tammy Gambill CHOREOGRAPHER Mark Pillay MAXIM KOVTUN RUSSIA 2016 European bronze medalist Russian champion 2015 European silver medalist BORN June 18, 1995 BIRTHPLACE Ekaterinburg, Russia HEIGHT 5 8 HOMETOWN Moscow TRAINING TOWN Moscow COACH Inna Goncharenko CHOREOGRAPHER Anna Bilibina, Elena Maslennikova DAISUKE MURAKAMI JAPAN 2015 Skate Canada bronze medalist 2015 Trophée Bompard bronze medalist 2015 Four Continents Championships, fourth 2014 NHK Trophy champion BORN Jan. 15, 1991 BIRTHPLACE Kanagawa, Japan HEIGHT 5 4 HOMETOWN Los Angeles TRAINING TOWN l Segundo, Calif. COACH Frank Carroll CHOREOGRAPHER Lori Nichol NAM NGUYEN CANADA 2015 Canadian champion 2015 World Championships, fifth 2014 World Junior champion BORN May 20, 1998 BIRTHPLACE Ottawa, Ontario, Canada HEIGHT 5 8 HOMETOWN Toronto, Ontario, Canada TRAINING TOWN San Jose, Calif. COACH David Glynn CHOREOGRAPHER David Wilson DENIS TEN KAZAKHSTAN 2015 World bronze medalist 2015 Four Continents champion 2014 Olympic bronze medalist BORN June 13, 1993 BIRTHPLACE Almaty, Kazakhstan HEIGHT 5 5 HOMETOWN Almaty, Kazakhstan TRAINING TOWN Hackensack, N.J.; El Segundo, Calif.; Novogorsk, Russia COACH Frank Carroll, Nikolai Morozov CHOREOGRAPHER Nikolai Morozov SHOMA UNO JAPAN 2015 World Junior champion 2015 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist 2015 Skate America silver medalist BORN Dec. 17, 1997 BIRTHPLACE Nagoya, Japan HEIGHT 5 2 HOMETOWN Nagoya, Japan TRAINING TOWN Nagoya, Japan COACH Machiko Yamada, Mihoko Higuchi CHOREOGRAPHER Mihoko Higuchi SERGEI VORONOV RUSSIA 2015 European bronze medalist 2015 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist 2014 European silver medalist BORN Oct. 3, 1987 BIRTHPLACE Moscow HEIGHT 5 8 HOMETOWN Moscow TRAINING TOWN Moscow COACH Inna Goncharenko CHOREOGRAPHER Anna Bilibina, Nikolai Morozov 26

29 / The J.M. Smucker Company. Smucker s is proud to support U.S. Figure Skating.

30 2015 SKATE AMERICA CHAMPION Max AARON USA Max Aaron, the 2013 U.S. champion, won his first Grand Prix Series gold medal with a victory at 2015 Skate America. The Arizona-born, Colorado-based skater shattered his personal-best scores en route to the victory in Milwaukee. Aaron went on to secure a silver medal at the 2016 U.S. Championships in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he led after the short program. Aaron finished the season by placing seventh at the Four Continents Championships and eighth at the World Championships. PAST CHAMPIONS Note: Skate America competitions were not held in 1980, 1984 and 1987 Max Aaron (USA) Tatsuki Machida (JPN) Tatsuki Machida (JPN) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN Michal Brezina (CZE) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) Evan Lysacek (USA) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) Nobunari Oda (JPN) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) Brian Joubert (FRA) Michael Weiss (USA) Brian Joubert (FRA) Timothy Goebel (USA) Timothy Goebel (USA) Alexei Yagudin (RUS) Alexei Yagudin (RUS) Todd Eldredge (USA) Todd Eldredge (USA) Todd Eldredge (USA) Todd Eldredge (USA) Viktor Petrenko (UKR) Todd Eldredge (USA) Christopher Bowman (USA) Viktor Petrenko (URS) Christopher Bowman (USA) Christopher Bowman (USA) Brian Boitano (USA) Josef Sabovcik (CZE) Brian Boitano (USA) Scott Hamilton (USA) Scott Hamilton (USA) Scott Hamilton (USA)

31 SCORING GUIDE REQUIRED ELEMENTS SHORT PROGRAM: The short program consists of seven required elements: three jumps, three spins and one step sequence to music selected by the skater. DURATION: 2:40 (+/- 10 seconds) JUMPS: Double or triple Axel; a solo jump that must be a triple or quad with entry steps required; a combination jump consisting of either a quad-triple, quaddouble, triple-triple or triple-double SPINS: A flying spin with a minimum of eight revolutions; a combination spin with only one change of foot, at least two different basic positions and a minimum of six revolutions on each foot; a camel or sit spin with only one change of foot and a minimum of six revolutions on each foot; the landing position of the flying spin must be different from the camel or sit spin. STEPS: Any step sequence MEN SCORING GUIDE FREE SKATE: The well-balanced free skate includes a maximum number of elements but has no minimum. The skater should pay attention to interesting transitions, connecting steps and movements between elements. DURATION: 4:30 minutes (+/- 10 seconds) JUMPS: Can include a maximum of eight jump elements; one must be an Axeltype jump; only two triple or quad jumps can be repeated, and, if repeated, at least one attempt must be part of a jump combination or jump sequence; there may be up to three jump combinations or sequences; no more than one jump combination may consist of three jumps. SPINS: A maximum of three spins of a different nature, one of which must be a spin combination; one must have a flying entry; and one must have only one position STEPS: A maximum of one step sequence; and a maximum of one choreographic sequence. SHORT PROGRAM AND FREE SKATE Jason Brown, USA Tim Dolensky, USA Jorik Hendrickx, BEL Boyang Jin, CHN Brendan Kerry, AUS Maxim Kovtun, RUS Daisuke Murakami, JPN Nam Nguyen, CAN Adam Rippon, USA Denis Ten, KAZ Shoma Uno, JPN Sergei Voronov, RUS TOTAL ELEMENT SCORE (TECHNICAL) SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE TOTAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS SCORE SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE TOTAL SEGMENT SCORE SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE SEGMENT PLACE SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE COMPILED SCORES AND FINAL STANDINGS SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE TOTAL COMPETITION FINAL PLACE Jason Brown, USA Tim Dolensky, USA Jorik Hendrickx, BEL Boyang Jin, CHN Brendan Kerry, AUS Maxim Kovtun, RUS Daisuke Murakami, JPN Nam Nguyen, CAN Adam Rippon, USA Denis Ten, KAZ Shoma Uno, JPN Sergei Voronov, RUS 29

32 We help skaters keep skating. Our rehabilitation services keep patients moving forward, so they can return to day-to-day work and recreational activities and remain at their optimal health without further risk of injury. Complimentary injury screenings * available at all locations Official Local Provider of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training for the 2016 Chicago Skate America athletico.com 877-ATHLETICO ( ) *Federal beneficiaries not eligible.

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34 TRAINING TOWN Batavia, Ill. COACHES Rockne Brubaker, Stefania Berton CHOREOGRAPHER Marina Zoueva DENNEY BORN Oct. 28, 1995 BIRTHPLACE Ocala, Fla. HEIGHT 5 HOMETOWN Ocala, Fla. FRAZIER BORN Nov. 19, 1992 BIRTHPLACE Phoenix HEIGHT 6 HOMETOWN Colorado Springs, Colo. Haven DENNEY/ Brandon FRAZIER UNITED STATES 2015 U.S. silver medalists 2013 World Junior champions TRAINING TOWN Chambly, Quebec, Canada COACH Josee Picard, Marc-Andre Craig CHOREOGRAPHER Shae-Lynn Bourne, Shae Zukiwsy, Marie-France Dubreuil, Patrice Lauzon, David Wilson SEGUIN BORN Nov. 7, 1996 BIRTHPLACE Montreal HEIGHT 5 1 HOMETOWN Longueuil, Quebec, Canada BILOUDEAU BORN Aug. 6, 1993 BIRTHPLACE Rimouski, Quebec, Canada HEIGHT 5 10 HOMETOWN Montreal Julianne SEGUIN/ Charlie BILOUDEAU CANADA 2016 Canadian silver medalists 2015 World Junior silver medalists 2014 Junior Grand Prix Final champions 32

35 TRAINING TOWN Montreal COACH Bruno Marcotte, Richard Gauthier, Bobby Martin, Sylvie Fullum, Carrie Wall CHOREOGRAPHER Julie Marcotte CASTELLI BORN Aug. 20, 1990 BIRTHPLACE Providence, RI HEIGHT 5 HOMETOWN Cranston, RI TRAN BORN Sept. 22, 1990 BIRTHPLACE Regina, Saskatchewan HEIGHT 5 9 HOMETOWN Regina, Saskatchewan TRAINING TOWN Ellenton, Fla. COACH Jim Peterson, Amanda Evora, Lyndon Johnston CHOREOGRAPHER Judy Blumberg, Jim Peterson KAYNE BORN April 28, 1993 BIRTHPLACE Fort Myers, Fla. HEIGHT 5 2 HOMETOWN Bradenton, Fla. O SHEA BORN Feb. 13, 1991 BIRTHPLACE Pontiac, Mich. HEIGHT 6 1 HOMETOWN Chicago Marissa CASTELLI/ Mervin TRAN UNITED STATES 2016 U.S. bronze medalists Tarah KAYNE/ Daniel O SHEA UNITED STATES 2016 U.S. champions 2015 U.S. bronze medalists 2014 Four Continents silver medalists 33

36 KRISTINA ASTAKHOVA/ ALEXEI ROGONOV RUSSIA Russian Championships, fourth place TRAINING TOWN Moscow COACH Artur Dmitriev CHOREOGRAPHER Sergei Komolov, Alexei Zhelezniakov ASTAKHOVA BORN Feb. 25, 1997 BIRTHPLACE Moscow HEIGHT 5 2 HOMETOWN Moscow ROGONOV BORN June 6, 1998 BIRTHPLACE Salsk, Russia HEIGHT 5 10 HOMETOWN Moscow VANESSA JAMES/ MORGAN CIPRES FRANCE French champions 2014 Olympians TRAINING TOWN Coral Springs, Fla. COACH John Zimmerman CHOREOGRAPHER John Zimmerman JAMES BORN Sept. 27, 1987 BIRTHPLACE Scarborough, Ontario, Canada HEIGHT 5 3 HOMETOWN Melun, France CIPRES BORN April 24, 1991 BIRTHPLACE Melun, France HEIGHT 5 11 HOMETOWN Dammarie-les-Lys, France VALENTINA MARCHEI/ ONDREJ HOTAREK ITALY 2016 European Championships, fifth 2015 Italian champions TRAINING TOWN Asiago, Italy; Montreal; Milan, Italy COACH Franca Bianconi, Rosanna Murante CHOREOGRAPHER Massimo Scali, Corrado Giordani MARCHEI BORN May 23, 1986 BIRTHPLACE Milan, Italy HEIGHT 5 3 HOMETOWN Basiglio, Italy HOTAREK BORN Jan. 25, 1984 BIRTHPLACE Brno, Czech Republic HEIGHT 5 10 HOMETOWN Assago, Italy EVGENIA TARASOVA/ VLADIMIR MOROZOV RUSSIA European bronze medalists 2016 Russian bronze medalists 2014 World Junior silver medalists TRAINING TOWN Moscow COACH Andrei Hekalo, Robin Szolkowy, Nina Mozer CHOREOGRAPHER Alla Kapranova TARASOVA BORN Dec. 17, 1994 BIRTHPLACE Kazan, Russia HEIGHT 5 2 HOMETOWN Moscow MOROZOV BORN Nov. 1, 1992 BIRTHPLACE Potsdam, Germany HEIGHT 6 1 HOMETOWN Moscow 34

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38 2015 SKATE AMERICA CHAMPIONS Cong Han & Wenjing Sui CHINA Wenjing Sui and Cong Han won their first Grand Prix Series title at 2015 Skate America. The veteran pairs team, using a quad twist in its free skate, earned the triumph in Milwaukee by 10 points. They went on to claim the silver medal at Cup of China. An injury to Sui prevented the team from competing at the Grand Prix Final. Sui and Han finished their season by winning the Four Continents Championships and repeating as World silver medalists in Boston. PAST CHAMPIONS Note: Skate America competitions were not held in 1980, 1984 and 1987 Cong Han/Wenjing Sui (CHN) Yuko Kavaguti/Alexander Smirnov (RUS) Tatiana Volosozhar/Maxim Trankov (RUS) Tatiana Volosozhar/Maxim Trankov (RUS) Aliona Savchenko/Robin Szolkowy (GER) Aliona Savchenko/Robin Szolkowy (GER) Xue Shen/Hongbo Zhao (CHN) Aliona Savchenko/Robin Szolkowy (GER) Bryce Davison/Jessica Dubé (CAN) Rena Inoue/John Baldwin (USA) Dan Zhang/Hao Zhang (CHN) Dan Zhang/Hao Zhang (CHN) Qing Pang/Jian Tong (CHN) T. Totmianina/M. Marinin (RUS) Jaime Salé/David Pelletier (CAN) Jaime Salé/David Pelletier (CAN) Jaime Salé/David Pelletier (CAN) E. Berezhnaya/A. Sikharulidze (RUS) Marina Eltsova/Andrey Bushkov (RUS).1997 O. Kazakova/A. Dmitriev (RUS) Marina Eltsova/Andrey Bushkov (RUS) Marina Eltsova/Andrey Bushkov (RUS) E. Shishkova/V. Naumov (RUS) Marina Eltsova/Andrey Bushkov (RUS).1992 Calla Urbanski/Rocky Marval (USA) Marina Eltsova/Andrey Bushkov (URS) N. Mishkutenok/A. Dmitriev (URS) N. Mishkutenok/A. Dmitriev (URS) Katy Keeley/Joseph Mero (USA) Jill Watson/Peter Oppegard (USA) K. Carruthers/P. Carruthers (USA) Elena Valova/Oleg Vasiliev (URS) Barbara Underhill/Paul Martini (CAN) Sabine Baess/Tassilo Thierbach (GDR)

39 SCORING GUIDE REQUIRED ELEMENTS SHORT PROGRAM: The short program consists of seven required elements: lifts, jumps, a spin, step sequence and a death spiral, all performed to music of the skaters choice. Duration: 2:40 (+/- 10 seconds) Lifts: Any lasso lift takeoff and a double or triple twist lift Jumps: Any double or triple throw jump and any double or triple solo jump Spins: Any solo spin combination with only one change of foot and at least two different basic positions. Death spiral: Backward inside Step sequence: Any step sequence FREE SKATE: The well-balanced free skate includes a maximum number of elements but has no minimum. Duration: 4:30 (+/- 10 seconds) Lifts: Maximum of three lifts and one twist lift Jumps: Maximum of two different throw jumps; a maximum of one solo jump; and a maximum of one jump combination or sequence Spins: Maximum of one solo spin combination, and a maximum of one pair spin combination Death spiral: Maximum of one (cannot be backward inside) Steps: Maximum of one choreographic sequence. SHORT PROGRAM AND FREE SKATE Kristina Astakhova/ Alexei Rogonov, RUS Marissa Castelli/ Mervin Tran, USA Haven Denney/ Brandon Frazier, USA Vanessa James/ Morgan Cipres, FRA Tarah Kayne/ Danny O Shea, USA Valentina Marchei/ Ondrej Hotarek, ITA Julianne Seguin/ Charlie Bilodeau, CAN Evgenia Tarasova/ Vladimir Morozov, RUS TOTAL ELEMENT SCORE (TECHNICAL) SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE TOTAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS SCORE SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE TOTAL SEGMENT SCORE SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE SEGMENT PLACE SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE COMPILED SCORES AND FINAL STANDINGS SHORT PROGRAM FREE SKATE TOTAL COMPETITION FINAL PLACE Kristina Astakhova/ Alexei Rogonov, RUS Marissa Castelli/ Mervin Tran, USA Haven Denney/ Brandon Frazier, USA Vanessa James/ Morgan Cipres, FRA Tarah Kayne/ Danny O Shea, USA Valentina Marchei/ Ondrej Hotarek, ITA Julianne Seguin/ Charlie Bilodeau, CAN Evgenia Tarasova/ Vladimir Morozov, RUS 37

40 TRAINING TOWN Novi, Michigan COACH Igor Shpilband, Adrienne Lenda, Fabian Bourzat, Greg Zuerlein CHOREOGRAPHER Igor Shpilband, Fabian Bourzat POGREBINSKY BORN April 22, 1998 BIRTHPLACE Los Gatos, Calif. HEIGHT 5'8 HOMETOWN Campbell, Calif. BENOIT BORN Oct. 9, 1995 BIRTHPLACE Winfield, Ill. HEIGHT 6'2 HOMETOWN Lisle, Ill. TRAINING TOWN Ozolnieki, Latvia; Moscow COACH Alexander Zhulin, Oleg Volkov CHOREOGRAPHER Alexander Zhulin, Sergei Petukhov BOBROVA BORN March 3, 1990 BIRTHPLACE Moscow HEIGHT 5 5 HOMETOWN Moscow SOLOVIEV BORN July 18, 1989 BIRTHPLACE Moscow HEIGHT 6 0 HOMETOWN Moscow 38 Elliana POGREBINSKY/ Alex BENOIT UNITED STATES U.S. junior bronze medalists 2016 World Junior Championships, fourth Ekaterina BOBROVA/ Dmitri SOLOVIEV RUSSIA 2016 European bronze medalists Five-time Russian champions ( , 16) 2014 Olympic Team Event champions 2014 Olympics, fifth place

41 TRAINING TOWN Montreal COACH Patrice Lauzon, Marie-France Dubreuil, Romain Haguenauer, Pascal Denis CHOREOGRAPHER Marie-France Dubreuil, Samuel Chouinard HUBBELL BORN Feb. 24, 1991 BIRTHPLACE Lansing, Mich. HEIGHT 5 8 HOMETOWN Okemos, Mich. DONOHUE BORN Jan. 8, 1991 BIRTHPLACE North Madison, Conn. HEIGHT 6 2 HOMETOWN North Madison, Conn. TRAINING TOWN Canton, Michigan COACH Marina Zoueva, Oleg Epstein, Massimo Scali, Johnny Johns CHOREOGRAPHER Hokuto Konishi, Aye Hasegawa, Serge Onik, Marina Zoueva, Massimo Scali, Peter Tchernyshev M. SHIBUTANI BORN July 20, 1994 BIRTHPLACE New York City, N.Y. HEIGHT 5 3 HOMETOWN Ann Arbor, Mich. A. SHIBUTANI BORN April 25, 1991 BIRTHPLACE Boston, Mass. HEIGHT 6 0 HOMETOWN Ann Arbor, Mich. Madison HUBBELL/ Zachary DONOHUE UNITED STATES 2016 World Championships, sixth Three-time U.S. bronze medalists (2012, ) 2014 Four Continents champions Maia SHIBUTANI/ Alex SHIBUTANI UNITED STATES 2016 World silver medalists 2016 U.S. champions 2016 Four Continents champions 2014 Olympians 39

42 40 ALISA AGAFONOVA/ ALPER UCAR TURKEY 2014 Olympians TRAINING TOWN Bloomfield Hills, Michigan COACH Anjelika Krylova, Pasquale Camerlengo CHOREOGRAPHER Sergei Petukhov AGAFONOVA BORN Jan. 15, 1991 BIRTHPLACE Kharkov, Ukraine HEIGHT 5 7 HOMETOWN Ankara, Turkey UCAR BORN Jan. 19, 1985 BIRTHPLACE Denizli, Turkey HEIGHT 5 10 HOMETOWN Moscow CHARLENE GUIGNARD/ MARCO FABBRI ITALY Six-time Italian silver medalists TRAINING TOWN Milan, Italy; Novi, Mich.; Moscow COACH Barbara Fusar Poli CHOREOGRAPHER Barbara Fusar Poli, Corrado Giordani GUIGNARD BORN Aug. 12, 1989 BIRTHPLACE Brest, France HEIGHT 5 2 HOMETOWN Milan, Italy FABBRI BORN Feb. 2, 1988 BIRTHPLACE Milan, Italy HEIGHT 5 5 HOMETOWN Milan, Italy ELENA ILINYKH/ RUSIAN ZHIGANSHIN RUSSIA 2015 Russian champions TRAINING TOWN Novi, Mich. COACHES Igor Shpilband CHOREOGRAPHER Igor Shpilband ILINYKH BORN April 25, 1994 BIRTHPLACE Shevchenko, Kazakhstan HEIGHT 5 4 HOMETOWN Moscow ZHIGANSHIN BORN Sept. 25, 1992 BIRTHPLACE Moscow HEIGHT 5 8 HOMETOWN Moscow YURA MIN/ ALEXANDER GAMELIN KOREA 2015 U.S. international Classic, fourth TRAINING TOWN Novi, Mich. COACH Igor Shpilband, Fabian Bourzat, Greg Zuerlein, Adrienne Lenda CHOREOGRAPHER Igor Shpilband MIN BORN Aug. 15, 1995 BIRTHPLACE Torrance, Calif. HEIGHT 5 4 HOMETOWN Novi, Mich. GAMELIN BORN Feb. 2, 1993 BIRTHPLACE Boston HEIGHT 5 9 HOMETOWN Farmington Hills, Mich. KANA MURAMOTO/ CHRIS REED JAPAN 2016 Japanese champions TRAINING TOWN Canton, Mich. COACHES Marina Zoueva, Oleg Epstein, Massimo Scali, Johnny Johns CHOREOGRAPHERS Marina Zoueva, Massimo Scali MURAMOTO BORN March 3, 1993 BIRTHPLACE Kobe, Japan HEIGHT 5 3 HOMETOWN Kobe, Japan REED BORN July 7, 1989 BIRTHPLACE Kalamazoo, Mich. HEIGHT 6 1 HOMETOWN Warren, N.J. ISABELLA TOBIAS/ LLIA TKACHENKO ISRAEL 2016 World Championships, 12th TRAINING TOWN Detroit, Michigan COACH Igor Shpilband, Adrienne Lenda CHOREOGRAPHER Igor Shpilband TOBIAS BORN Aug. 23, 1991 BIRTHPLACE New York City, N.Y. HEIGHT 5 3 HOMETOWN Detroit TKACHENKO BORN Dec. 26, 1986 BIRTHPLACE Perm, Russia HEIGHT 6 0 HOMETOWN Detroit

43 U.S. Figure Skating Visa Earn 1,000 Bonus Points Now there s a figure to celebrate! 1 Take spending power to new heights with your very own U.S. Figure Skating Visa Signature Card. Apply now and earn 1,000 Bonus Points after you make your first purchase on the card within 90 days! 1 EARN POINTS QUICKLY: 1 point for every net dollar spent. 2 REDEEM POINTS FAST: Rewards redemptions start as low as 1,500 points and can be used on everything from merchandise and gift certificates to cash back 3 and even unrestricted travel on any airline! With great benefits like zero fraud liability 4 and no preset spending limit 5, you ll feel like a champion both on and off the ice. H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H APPLY TODAY! CALL EXT OR VISIT usbank.com/usfs94112 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 1 To earn first use bonus, purchase must be made within 90 days of account opening. Account must be open and in good standing at the time of posting to receive bonus offer. Bonus will be credited to your account 6-8 weeks after the end of the promotion period. This offer may not apply if your credit card has changed to a different type of card within the last 12 weeks or changes before bonus is applied. 2 Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. 3 Cash back is redeemed in the form of a statement credit. Important Note: Points redeemed for a statement credit will reduce the account balance, but will not count toward your minimum payment due. 4 U.S. Bank provides zero fraud liability for unauthorized transactions. Cardholder must notify U.S. Bank promptly of any unauthorized use. Certain conditions and limitations may apply. 5 No preset spending limit does not mean unlimited spending. Individual transactions are authorized by card issuer based on factors such as account history, credit record, and payment resources. Card issuer will preset an upper limit for revolving balances and cash advances. The U.S. Figure Skating logo is a trademark of the United States Figure Skating Association. All rights reserved. The creditor and issuer of the U.S. Figure Skating Visa Card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc U.S. Bank National Association. All rights reserved.

44 2015 SKATE AMERICA CHAMPIONS Madison Chock & Evan Bates USA Madison Chock and Evan Bates used a brand new short dance to repeat as ice dance champions at 2015 Skate America in Milwaukee. They scrapped the gypsy routine they debuted at Nebelhorn Trophy a month earlier, replacing it with a sophisticated foxtrot to More and a heartfelt waltz to II Divo s Italian version of Unchained Melody. The Michigan-based team followed with a silver-medal effort at Cup of China and a silvermedal finish at the Grand Prix Final. From there, Chock and Bates won the silver medal at the U.S. Championships and garnered their second consecutive World medal (silver in 2015) with a bronze in Boston. They wrapped up the campaign by helping Team North America win the inaugural Team Challenge Cup title in Spokane, Washington. PAST CHAMPIONS Note: Skate America competitions were not held in 1980, 1984 and 1987 Madison Chock/Evan Bates (USA) Madison Chock/Evan Bates (USA) Meryl Davis/Charlie White (USA) Meryl Davis/Charlie White (USA) Meryl Davis/Charlie White (USA) Meryl Davis/Charlie White (USA) Tanith Belbin/Ben Agosto (USA) Isabelle Delobel/O. Schoenfelder (FRA) Tanith Belbin/Ben Agosto (USA) Albena Denkova/Maxim Staviski (RUS).2006 Tanith Belbin/Ben Agosto (USA) Tanith Belbin/Ben Agosto (USA) Tanith Belbin/Ben Agosto (USA) E. Grushina/R. Goncharov (UKR) Shae-Lynn Bourne/V. Kraatz (CAN) B. Fusar-Poli/Maurizio Margaglio (ITA).2000 B. Fusar-Poli/Maurizio Margaglio (ITA) M. Anissina/G. Peizerat (FRA) E. Punslan/J. Swallow (USA) A. Krylova/O. Ovsyannikov (RUS) Oksana Grishuk/Evgeny Platov (RUS) E. Punsalan/J. Swallow (USA) S. Moniotte/P. Lavanchy (FRA) Maia Usova/Alexander Zhulin (RUS) Tatiana Navka/Samvel Gezalian (URS) S. Calegari/P. Camerlengo (ITA) Maia Usova/Alexander Zhulin (URS) Susan Wynne/Joseph Druar (USA) Isabelle & Paul Duchesnay (FRA) Renee Roca/Donald Adair (USA) Elisa Spitz/Scott Gregory (USA) Elisa Spitz/Scott Gregory (USA) Judy Blumberg/Michael Seibert (USA) Kriszina Regoczy/Andras Sallay (HUN)

45 SCORING GUIDE REQUIRED ELEMENTS SHORT DANCE: The short dance consists of required elements, including dance lifts, twizzles, step sequences and/or sections of pattern dances. Duration: 2:50 (+/- 10 seconds) Music: For the season, the short dance must be to a blues rhythm and can also include swing and/or hip hop rhythms. Lifts: One short lift Step Sequences: One partial step sequence in hold and one not touching step sequence. Twizzles: One set of sequential twizzles Pattern Dance Requirements: One section of Midnight Blues (steps five to 14). FREE DANCE: A free dance (FD) should display a full range of technical skills, interpretation and inventiveness to music. Music is the couple s choice. Duration: 4:00 (+/- 10 seconds) Music: Must have an audible rhythmic beat Lifts: One short lift and one combination lift, or three different types of short lifts. Dance spins: One dance spin selected from spin or spin combination Twizzles: One set of synchronized twizzles Step sequences: One midline or diagonal step sequence and one circular or serpentine step sequence (both in hold) Choreographic Elements: One choreographic dance lift, or one choreographic spinning movement or one choreographic twizzling movement may be performed after the required lifts, dance spin or synchronized twizzles SHORT DANCE AND FREE DANCE TOTAL ELEMENT SCORE (TECHNICAL) SHORT DANCE FREE DANCE TOTAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS SCORE SHORT DANCE FREE DANCE TOTAL SEGMENT SCORE SHORT DANCE FREE DANCE SEGMENT PLACE SHORT DANCE FREE DANCE Alisa Agafonova/ Alper Ucar, TUR Ekaterina Bobrova/ Dmitri Soloviev, RUS Charlene Guignard/ Marco Fabbri, ITA Madison Hubbell/ Zachary Donohue, USA Elena Llinykh/ Rusian Zhiganshin, RUS Yura Min/ Alexander Gamelin, KOR Kana Muramoto/ Chris Reed, JPN Elliana Pogrebinsky/ Alex Benoit, USA Maia Shibutani/ Alex Shibutani, USA Isabella Tobias/ llia Tkachenko, ISR COMPILED SCORES AND FINAL STANDINGS SHORT DANCE FREE DANCE TOTAL COMPETITION FINAL PLACE Alisa Agafonova/ Alper Ucar, TUR Ekaterina Bobrova/ Dmitri Soloviev, RUS Charlene Guignard/ Marco Fabbri, ITA Madison Hubbell/ Zachary Donohue, USA Elena Llinykh/ Rusian Zhiganshin, RUS Yura Min/ Alexander Gamelin, KOR Kana Muramoto/ Chris Reed, JPN Elliana Pogrebinsky/ Alex Benoit, USA Maia Shibutani/ Alex Shibutani, USA Isabella Tobias/ llia Tkachenko, ISR 43

46 Figure skating at a glance U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union, the international federation for the sport of figure skating. A LITTLE HISTORY In the mid-1800s, local skating clubs began forming and hosting competitions, but the sport functioned informally until That year, the United States Figure Skating Association (now known as U.S. Figure Skating) was formed and became a member of the ISU. The fledgling association was made up of seven member clubs. Now, 95 years later, nearly 1,700 member clubs and Learn to Skate USA programs cover the country from coast to coast and border to border, with a total membership of more than 181,000. FROM BEGINNER TO OLYMPIAN U.S. Figure Skating nurtures a love of figure skating in athletes at all levels of the sport. Those who are stepping out onto the ice for the first time can start off on the right foot with the Learn to Skate USA Program. In this program, skaters of all ages learn the moves that help them succeed on the ice. In the season, program organizers enrolled more than 122,500 members in 950 programs around the country. The Learn to Skate USA Program, formerly Basic Skills, has taught more than 2.5 million people ages 3 to 93 since it began in Techniques learned in the Learn to Skate USA Program naturally lead to the U.S. Figure Skating testing structure for skaters who want to advance competitively in the sport. Tests including free skate, moves in the field, pairs, ice dancing and synchronized skating measure progress in the various branches of the sport. Official test sessions sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating are conducted by member clubs. The level of tests that have been passed determines at what level skaters can compete. Each year, U.S. Figure Skating sanctions more than 1,300 figure skating events, performances and competitions. Competitions at every level of the sport are an incentive for figure skaters to train, develop and improve their proficiency. By ascending U.S. Figure Skating s competition ladder, skaters qualify for international figure skating events, including the Olympic Winter Games and the World Figure Skating Championships. Skaters who find success as they advance through the testing structure could join the elite in U.S. Figure Skating. U.S. figure skaters have won more Olympic medals (48) than any other country. Through 2016, figure skaters representing the United States have won 191 World Championship medals and 53 World titles. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS U.S. Figure Skating s national headquarters, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is staffed by 50 professionals who are charged with managing the membership and Learn to Skate USA Program, competitions and events, public relations and marketing, sponsorship and fundraising, and athlete programs and services. SKATING magazine and U.S. Figure Skating Online are also handled at headquarters. SKATING magazine, the official publication of U.S. Figure Skating, is a great source of information for all figure skating enthusiasts. The magazine is published 10 times a year and is a full-color, newsstand quality publication available to U.S. Figure Skating members and the general public. In its 93rd year of publication, SKATING magazine includes results and articles on U.S. and international competitions, athlete interviews and profiles, columns on health and fitness, previews of upcoming events and much more. Learn to Skate USA members receive the annual Learn to Skate USA: The Magazine. Icenetwork and U.S. Figure Skating Online ( provide the most up-to-date information on figure skating worldwide. Visitors to these sites can find news, features, competition results, ticket information, athlete bios, U.S. Figure Skating merchandise, event listings and club information. Olympic ice dance champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White JARED WICKERHAM/GETTY IMAGES 44

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48 TEAM USA 46

49 PHOTO BY HANS ROSEMOND 47

50 Miki Ando 2006 SKATE AMERICA CHAMPION Nobunari Oda 2006 SKATE AMERICA CHAMPION 48 SKATE AMERICA PAST CHAMPIONS (Event not held in 1980, 1984, 1987) LADIES GOLD SILVER BRONZE 2015 Milwaukee, WI Evgenia Medvedeva (RUS) Gracie Gold (USA) Satoko Miyahara (JPN) Chicago, IL Elena Radionova (RUS) Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (RUS) Gracie Gold (USA) Detroit, MI Mao Asada (JPN) Ashley Wagner (USA) Elena Radionova (RUS) Kent, WA Ashley Wagner (USA) Christina Gao (USA) Adelina Sotnikova (RUS) Ontario, CA Alissa Czisny (USA) Carolina Kostner (ITA) Viktoria Helgeson (SWE) Portland, OR Kanako Murakami (JPN) Rachael Flatt (USA) Carolina Kostner (ITA) Lake Placid, NY Yu-Na Kim (KOR) Rachael Flatt (USA) Julia Sebestyen (HUN) Everett, WA Yu-Na Kim (KOR) Yukari Nakano (JPN) Miki Ando (JPN) Reading, PA Kimmie Meissner (USA) Miki Ando (JPN) Caroline Zhang (USA) Hartford, CT Miki Ando (JPN) Kimmie Meissner (USA) Mao Asada (JPN) Atlantic City, NJ Elena Sokolova (RUS) Alissa Czisny (USA) Yoshie Onda (JPN) Pittsburgh, PA Angela Nikodinov (USA) Cynthia Phaneuf (CAN) Miki Ando (JPN) Reading, PA Sasha Cohen (USA) Jennifer Kirk (USA) Shizuka Arakawa (JPN) 2002 Spokane, WA Michelle Kwan (USA) Ann Patrice McDonough (USA) Elena Liashenko (UKR) 2001 Colo. Springs, CO Michelle Kwan (USA) Sarah Hughes (USA) Viktoria Volchkova (RUS) 2000 Colo. Springs, CO Michelle Kwan (USA) Sarah Hughes (USA) Elena Sokolova (RUS) 1999 Colo. Springs, CO Michelle Kwan (USA) Julia Soldatova (RUS) Elena Sokolova (RUS) 1998 Detroit, MI Maria Butyrskaya (RUS) Elena Sokolova (RUS) Angela Nikodinov (USA) 1997 Detroit, MI Michelle Kwan (USA) Tara Lipinski (USA) Elena Sokolova (RUS) 1996 Springfield, MA Michelle Kwan (USA) Tonia Kwiatkowski (USA) Sydne Vogel (USA) 1995 Detroit, MI Michelle Kwan (USA) Chen Lu (CHN) Irina Slutskaya (RUS) 1994 Pittsburgh, PA Surya Bonaly (FRA) Michelle Kwan (USA) Irina Slutskaya (RUS) 1993 Dallas, TX Oksana Baiul (UKR) Surya Bonaly (FRA) Tonya Harding (USA) 1992 Atlanta, GA Yuka Sato (JPN) Nancy Kerrigan (USA) Chen Lu (CHN) 1991 Oakland, CA Tonya Harding (USA) Kristi Yamaguchi (USA) Surya Bonaly (FRA) 1990 Buffalo, NY Kristi Yamaguchi (USA) Midori Ito (JPN) Tonia Kwiatkowski (USA) 1989 Indianapolis, IN Tonya Harding (USA) Jill Trenary (USA) Simone Lang (GDR) 1988 Portland, ME Claudia Leistner (FRG) Midori Ito (JPN) Kristi Yamaguchi (USA) 1986 Portland, ME Tiffany Chin (USA) Tonya Harding (USA) Agnes Gosselin (FRA) 1985 St. Paul, MN Debi Thomas (USA) Tracey Wainman (CAN) Katrien Pauwels (BEL) 1983 Rochester, NY Tiffany Chin (USA) Jill Frost (USA) Kelly Webster (USA) 1982 Lake Placid, NY Rosalynn Sumners (USA) Claudia Leistner (FRG) Kriistina Wegelius (FIN) 1981 Lake Placid, NY Vikki de Vries (USA) Elaine Zayak (USA) Claudia Kristofics-Binder (AUT) 1979 Lake Placid, NY Lisa-Marie Allen (USA) Susan Driano (ITA) Sandy Lenz (USA) MEN GOLD SILVER BRONZE 2015 Milwaukee, WI Max Aaron (USA) Shoma Uno (JPN) Jason Brown (USA) Chicago, IL Tatsuki Machida (JPN) Jason Brown (USA) Nam Nguyen (CAN) Detroit, MI Tatsuki Machida (JPN) Adam Rippon (USA) Max Aaron (USA) Kent, WA Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN) Tatsuki Machida (JPN) Ontario, CA Michal Brezina (CZE) Kevin Van Der Perren (BEL) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) Portland, OR Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) Nobunari Oda (JPN) Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA) Lake Placid, NY Evan Lysacek (USA) Shawn Sawyer (CAN) Ryan Bradley (USA) Everett, WA Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) Johnny Weir (USA) Evan Lysacek (USA) Reading, PA Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) Evan Lysacek (USA) Patrick Chan (CAN) Hartford, CT Nobunari Oda (JPN) Evan Lysacek (USA) Alban Preaubert (FRA) Atlantic City, NJ Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) Evan Lysacek (USA) Brian Joubert (FRA) Pittsburgh, PA Brian Joubert (FRA) Ryan Jahnke (USA) Michael Weiss (USA) Reading, PA Michael Weiss (USA) Takeshi Honda (JPN) Min Zhang (CHN) 2002 Spokane, WA Brian Joubert (FRA) Alexander Abt (RUS) Matt Savoie (USA) 2001 Colo. Springs, CO Timothy Goebel (USA) Takeshi Honda (JPN) Alexander Abt (RUS) 2000 Colo. Springs, CO Timothy Goebel (USA) Alexei Yagudin (RUS) Todd Eldredge (USA) 1999 Colo. Springs, CO Alexei Yagudin (RUS) Timothy Goebel (USA) Elvis Stojko (CAN) 1998 Detroit, MI Alexei Yagudin (RUS) Michael Weiss (USA) Alexei Urmanov (RUS) 1997 Detroit, MI Todd Eldredge (USA) Evgeny Plushenko (RUS) Alexander Abt (RUS) 1996 Springfield, MA Todd Eldredge (USA) Alexei Urmanov (RUS) Alexei Yagudin (RUS) 1995 Detroit, MI Todd Eldredge (USA) Michael Weiss (USA) Alexander Abt (RUS) 1994 Pittsburgh, PA Todd Eldredge (USA) Philippe Candeloro (FRA) Eric Millot (FRA) 1993 Dallas, TX Viktor Petrenko (UKR) Brian Boitano (USA) Alexei Urmanov (RUS) 1992 Atlanta, GA Todd Eldredge (USA) Scott Davis (USA) Mark Mitchell (USA) 1991 Oakland, CA Christopher Bowman (USA) Petr Barna (CZE) Todd Eldredge (USA) 1990 Buffalo, NY Viktor Petrenko (URS) Christopher Bowman (USA) Todd Eldredge (USA) 1989 Indianapolis, IN Christopher Bowman (USA) Viktor Petrenko (URS) Kurt Browning (CAN) 1988 Portland, ME Christopher Bowman (USA) Daniel Doran (USA) Todd Eldredge (USA) 1986 Portland, ME Brian Boitano (USA) Viktor Petrenko (URS) Daniel Doran (USA) 1985 St. Paul, MN Jozef Sabovcik (CZE) Brian Boitano (USA) Viktor Petrenko (URS) 1983 Rochester, NY Brian Boitano (USA) Rudi Cerne (FRG) Bobby Beauchamp (USA) 1982 Lake Placid, NY Scott Hamilton (USA) Heiko Fischer (FRG) Jozef Sabovcik (CZE) 1981 Lake Placid, NY Scott Hamilton (USA) Robert Wagenhoffer (USA) Brian Boitano (US 1979 Lake Placid, NY Scott Hamilton (USA) Scott Cramer (USA) Jan Hoffmann (EGR)

51 SKATE AMERICA PAST CHAMPIONS PAIRS GOLD SILVER BRONZE 2015 Milwaukee, WI Sui Wenjing/Han Cong (CHN) Alexa Scimeca/Chris Knierim (USA) Julianne Séguin/Charlie Bilodeau (CAN) Chicago, IL Yuko Kavaguti/Alexander Smirnov (RUS) Haven Denney/Brandon Frazier (USA) Cheng Peng/Hao Zhang (CHN) Detroit, MI Tatiana Volosozhar/Maxim Trankov (RUS) Kristin Moore-Towers/Dylan Moscovitch (CAN) Ksenia Stolbova/Fedor Kilmov (RUS) Kent, WA Tatiana Volosozhar/Maxim Trankov (RUS) Qing Pang/Jian Tong (CHN) Caydee Denney/John Coughlin (USA) Ontario, CA Aliona Savchenko/Robin Szolkowy (GER) Dan Zhang/Hao Zhang (CHN) Kirsten Moore-Towers/Dylan Moscovitch (CAN) Portland, OR Aliona Savchenko/Robin Szolkowy (GER) Kirsten Moore-Towers/Dylan Moscovitch (CAN) Wenjing Sui/Cong Han (CHN) Lake Placid, NY Xue Shen/Hongbo Zhao (CHN) Tatiana Volosozhar/ Stanislav Morozov (UKR) Dan Zhang/Hao Zhang (CHN) Everett, WA Aliona Savchenko/Robin Szolkowy (GER) Keauna McLaughlin/Rockne Brubaker (USA) Maria Mukhortova/ Maxim Trankov (RUS) Reading, PA Jessica Dubé/Bryce Davison (CAN) Qing Pang/Jian Tong (CHN) Vera Bazarova/Yuri Larionov (RUS) Hartford, CT Rena Inoue/ John Baldwin (USA) Dorota Siudek/ Mariusz Siudek (POL) Naomi Nari Nam/ Themi Leftheris (USA) Atlantic City, NJ Dan Zhang/ Hao Zhang (CHN) Rena Inoue/ John Baldwin (USA) Julia Obertas/ Sergei Slavnov (RUS) Pittsburgh, PA Dan Zhang/ Hao Zhang (CHN) Julia Obertas/ Sergei Slavnov (RUS) Rena Inoue/ John Baldwin (USA) Reading, PA Qing Pang/ Jian Tong (CHN) Maria Petrova/ Alexei Tikhonov (RUS) Dan Zhang/ Hao Zhang (CHN) 2002 Spokane, WA Tatiana Totmianina/ Maxim Marinin (RUS) Annabelle Langlois/ Patrice Archetto (CAN) Qing Pang/ Jian Tong (CHN) 2001 Colo. Springs, CO Jamie Salé/ David Pelletier (CAN) Kyoko Ina/ John Zimmerman (USA) Tatiana Totmianina/ Maxim Marinin (RUS) 2000 Colo. Springs, CO Jamie Salé/ David Pelletier (CAN) Xue Shen/ Hongbo Zhao (CHN) Tatiana Totmianina/ Maxim Marinin (RUS) 1999 Colo. Springs, CO Jamie Salé/ David Pelletier (CAN) Sarah Abitbol/Stephane Bernadis (FRA) Elena Berezhnaya/ Anton Sikharulidze (RUS) 1998 Detroit, MI Elena Berezhnaya/ Anton Sikharulidze (RUS) Kristy Sargeant/ Kris Wirtz (CAN) Victoria Maksuta/ Vladislav Zhonirski (RUS) 1997 Detroit, MI Marina Eltsova/ Andrei Bushkov (RUS) Kyoko Ina/ Jason Dungjen (USA) Evgenia Shishkova/ Vadim Naumov (RUS) 1996 Springfield, MA Oksana Kazakova/ Artur Dmitriev (RUS) Shelby Lyons/ Brian Wells (USA) Stephanie Stiegler/ John Zimmerman (USA) 1995 Detroit, MI Marina Eltsova/ Andrei Bushkov (RUS) Jenni Meno/ Todd Sand (USA) Elena Berezhnaya/ Oleg Shliakhov (LAT) 1994 Pittsburgh, PA Marina Eltsova/ Andrei Bushkov (RUS) Evgenia Shishkova/ Vadim Naumov (RUS) Radka Kovarikova/ Rene Novotny (CZE) 1993 Dallas, TX Evgenia Shishkova/ Vadim Naumov (RUS) Kyoko Ina/ Jason Dungjen (USA) Karen Courtland/ Todd Reynolds (USA) 1992 Atlanta, GA Marina Eltsova/ Andrei Bushkov (RUS) Radka Kovarikova/ Rene Novotny (CZE) Evgenia Shishkova/ Vadim Naumov (RUS) 1991 Oakland, CA Calla Urbanski/ Rocky Marval (USA) Elena Nikonova/ Nickoli Apter (URS) Peggy Schwarz/ Alexander Koenig (GER) 1990 Buffalo, NY Marina Eltsova/ Andrei Bushkov (URS) Radka Kovarikova/ Rene Novotny (CZE) Mandy Wotzel/ Axel Rauschenbach (FRG) 1989 Indianapolis, IN Natalia Mishkutionok/ Artur Dmitriev (URS) Kristi Yamaguchi/ Rudy Galindo (USA) Peggy Schwarz/ Alexander Koenig (GDR) 1988 Portland, ME Natalia Mishkutionok/ Artur Dmitriev (URS) Marina Eltsova/ Sergei Zaitsev (URS) Natalie Seybold/ Wayne Seybold (USA) 1986 Portland, ME Katy Keeley/ Joseph Mero (USA) Denise Benning/ Lyndon Johnston (CAN) Ludmila Koblova/ Andrei Kalitin (CAN) 1985 St. Paul, MN Jill Watson/ Peter Oppegard (USA) Elena Bechke/ Valeri Kornienko (URS) Gillian Wachsman/ Todd Waggoner (USA) 1983 Rochester, NY Caitlin Carruthers/ Peter Carruthers (USA) Jill Watson/ Burt Lancon (USA) Melinda Kunhegyi/ Lyndon Johnston (CAN) 1982 Lake Placid, NY Elena Valova/ Oleg Vasiliev (URS) Lea Ann Miller/ William Fauver (USA) Nellie Chervotkina/ Victor Teslya (URS) 1981 Lake Placid, NY Barbara Underhill/ Paul Martini (CAN) Caitlin Carruthers/ Peter Carruthers (USA) Elena Valova/ Oleg Vasiliev (URS) 1979 Lake Placid, NY Sabine Baesz/Tassilo Thierbach (EGR) Caitlin Carruthers/Peter Carruthers (USA) Vicki Heasley/Robert Wagenhoffer (USA) ICE DANCE GOLD SILVER BRONZE 2015 Milwaukee, WI Madison Chock/Evan Bates (USA) Victoria Sinitsina/Nikita Katsalapov (RSU) Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier (CAN) Chicago, IL Madison Chock/Evan Bates (USA) Maia Shibutani/Alex Shibutani (USA) Alexandra Stepanova/Ivan Bukin (RUS) Detroit, MI Meryl Davis/Charlie White (USA) Anna Cappellini/Luca Lanotte (ITA) Maia Shibutani/Alex Shibutani (USA) Kent, WA Meryl Davis/Charlie White (USA) Ekaterina Bobrova/Dmitri Soloviev (RUS) Kaitlyn Weaver/Andrew Poje (CAN) Ontario, CA Meryl Davis/ Charlie White (USA) Nathalie Pechalat/ Fabian Bourzat (FRA) Isabella Tobias/Deividas Stagniunas (LTU) Portland, OR Meryl Davis/ Charlie White (USA) Vanessa Crone/ Paul Poirier (CAN) Maia Shibutani/ Alex Shibutani (USA) Lake Placid, NY Tanith Belbin/ Ben Agosto (USA) Anna Cappellini/ Luca Lanotte (ITA) Alexandra Zaretski/ Roman Zaretski (ISR) Everett, WA Isabelle Delobel/Olivier Schoenfelder (FRA) Tanith Belbin/Ben Agosto (USA) Sinead Kerr/ John Kerr (GBR) Reading, PA Tanith Belbin/ Ben Agosto (USA) Nathalie Pechalat/ Fabian Bourzat (FRA) Federica Faiella/ Massimo Scali (ITA) Hartford, CT Albena Denkova/ Maxim Staviski (BUL) Melissa Gregory/ Denis Petukhov (USA) Nathalie Pechalat/ Fabian Bourzat (FRA) Atlantic City, NJ Tanith Belbin/ Ben Agosto (USA) Isabelle Delobel/ Olivier Schoenfelder (FRA) Oksana Domnina/ Maxim Shabalin (RUS) Pittsburgh, PA Tanith Belbin/ Ben Agosto (USA) Galit Chait/ Sergei Sakhnovski (ISR) Megan Wing/ Aaron Lowe (CAN) Reading, PA Tanith Belbin/ Ben Agosto (USA) Elena Grushina/ Ruslan Goncharov (UKR) Isabelle Delobel/ Olivier Schenfelder (FRA) 2002 Spokane, WA Elena Grushina/ Ruslan Goncharov (UKR) Tatiana Navka/ Roman Kostomarov (RUS) Tanith Belbin/ Ben Agosto (USA) 2001 Colo. Springs, CO Shae-Lynn Bourne/ Victor Kraatz (CAN) Galit Chait/ Sergei Sakhnovsky (ISR) Margarita Drobiazko/ Povilas Vanagas (LTU) 2000 Colo. Springs, CO Barbara Fusar-Poli/ Maurizio Margaglio (ITA) Margarita Drobiazko/ Povilas Vanagas (LTU) Shae-Lynn Bourne/ Victor Kraatz (CAN) 1999 Colo. Springs, CO Barbara Fusar-Poli/ Maurizio Margaglio (ITA) Irina Lobacheva/ Ilia Averbukh (RUS) Naomi Lang/ Peter Tchernyshev (USA) 1998 Detroit, MI Marina Anissina/ Gwendal Peizerat (FRA) Irina Lobacheva/ Ilia Averbukh (RUS) Barbara Fusar-Poli/ Maurizio Margaglio (ITA) 1997 Detroit, MI Elizabeth Punsalan/ Jerod Swallow (USA) Barbara Fusar-Poli/ Maurizio Margaglio (ITA) Anna Semenovich/ Vladimir Federov (RUS) 1996 Springfield, MA Anjelika Krylova/ Oleg Ovsyannikov (RUS) Irina Lobacheva/ Ilia Averbukh (RUS) Sophie Moniotte/ Pascal Lavanchy (FRA) 1995 Detroit, MI Oksana Grishuk/ Evgeny Platov (RUS) Anjelika Krylova/ Oleg Ovsyannikov (RUS) Renee Roca/ Gorsha Sur (USA) 1994 Pittsburgh, PA Elizabeth Punsalan/ Jerod Swallow (USA) Marina Anissina/ Gwendal Peizerat (FRA) Elizaveta Stekolnikova/ Dmitri Kazarliga (KZK) 1993 Dallas, TX Sophie Moniotte/ Pascal Lavanchy (FRA) Katerina Mrazova/ Martin Simecek (CZE) Renee Roca/ Gorsha Sur (USA) 1992 Atlanta, GA Maia Usova/ Alexander Zhulin (RUS) Sophie Moniotte/ Pascal Lavanchy (FRA) Elizabeth Punsalan/ Jerod Swallow (USA) 1991 Oakland, CA Tatiana Navka/ Samvel Gezalian (URS) Susanna Rahkomo/ Petri Kokko (FIN) Dominique Yvon/ Frederic Palluel (FRA) 1990 Buffalo, NY Stefania Calegari/ Pasquale Camerlengo (ITA) Isabelle Sarech/ Xavier Debernis (FRA) Illona Meinchenko/ Gennadi Kaskov (URS) 1989 Indianapolis, IN Maia Usova/ Alexander Zhulin (URS) April Sargent/ Russ Witherby (USA) Jo-Anne Borlase/ Martin Smith (CAN) 1988 Portland, ME Susan Wynne/ Joseph Druar (USA) Svetlana Lyapina/ Georgi Sur (URS) Renee Roca/ James Yorke (USA) 1986 Portland, ME Isabelle Duchesnay/ Paul Duchesnay (FRA) Suzanne Semanick/ Scott Gregory (USA) Jo-Anne Borlase/ Scott Chalmers (CAN) 1985 St. Paul, MN Renee Roca/ Donald Adair (USA) Irina Zhuk/Oleg Petrov (URS) Antonia Becherer/ Ferdinand Becherer (FRG) 1983 Rochester, NY Elisa Spitz/ Scott Gregory (USA) Kelly Johnson/ John Thomas (CAN) Wendy Sessions/ Stephen Williams (GBR) 1982 Lake Placid, NY Elisa Spitz/ Scott Gregory (USA) Elena Garanina/ Igor Zavozin (URS) Karyn Garossino/ Rod Garossino (CAN) 1981 Lake Placid, NY Judy Blumberg/ Michael Seibert (USA) Elena Garanina/ Igor Zavozin (URS) Karen Barber/ Nicky Slater (GBR) 1979 Lake Placid, NY Kriszina Regoczy/Andras Sallay (HUN) Natalia Bestemianova/Andrei Bukin (URS) Lorna Wighton/John Dowding (CAN) Rena Inoue/ John baldwin 2006 SKATE AMERICA CHAMPIONS Albena Denkova/ Maxim Staviski 2006 SKATE AMERICA CHAMPIONS 49

52 Gracie Gold (1) A Thousand Years, by Vanessa Carleton (2) The Kardashians and Jenners (3) Rhythmic gymnastics (4) Fringe (5) A Birkin Jason Brown (1) Can t Stop the Feeling, by Justin Timberlake (2) Adele (3) Gymnastics (4) Psych (5) Travel with my family (1) If you were on Carpool Karaoke, which song would you sing? (2) If you could go on a road trip with any celebrity, who would it be? (3) If you were a summer Olympian, which sport would you compete? (4) What is your favorite show to binge watch on Netflix? (5) If you won the lottery, what would you splurge on? Ashley Wagner (1) Rolling in the Deep by Adele (2) Liam Hemsworth (3) 100-meter dash (4) Scandal (5) I would buy a house Angela Wang (1) Chandelier by Sia (2) Simone Biles (3) Gymnastics (4) Gilmore Girls (5) I would buy a private island and adopt all the homeless dogs Tim Dolensky (1) Let It Go from Frozen (2) Bindi Irwin (3) Gymnastics or diving (4) Friends (5) Trips to all the amusement parks in the world Adam Rippon (1) Chandelier by Sia (2) Britney Spears (3) Gymnastics (4) Broad City (5) Pay my parents house off and the go to a mall and buy everything 50

53 Haven Denney/ Brandon Frazier (1) Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen/ Let it Be by the Beatles (2) Jennifer Lawrence/ Leonardo DiCaprio (3) Gymnastics/ Swimming (4) Friends / Sons of Anarchy (5) Traveling and buying a big house/ Traveling and designing houses Madison Hubbell/ Zachary Donohue (1) Something by Adele/ Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (2) Jimmy Fallon/ Jason Momoa (3) Tennis/Diving (4) Velvet / Sons of Anarchy (5) Take a vacation with all of my family/ I d buy my parents a new house and have a garage with 16 models of motorcycles Tarah Kayne/ Danny O Shea (1) Ignition (Remix) by R. Kelly/ Something by Queen (2) Obama s dog, Bo/ Emma Watson (3) Fencing/ Rhythmic gymnastics (4) The Office / Friends (5) Vacations/ Travel the world Maia Shibutani/ Alex Shibutani (1) Fix You by Coldplay/ Fix You by Coldplay (2) Jimmy Fallon/Maia Shibutani (3) Gymnastics or swimming/ Basketball (4) Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt / House of Cards (5) I would get my family gifts and travel/ Camera equipment and sneakers Marissa Castelli/ Mervin Tran (1) "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey/ "Clint Eastwood" by Gorillaz (2) Ellen DeGeneres/ Anna Kendrick (3) Gymnastics/ Beach volleyball (4) "How I Met Your Mother"/"Walking Dead" (5) I would buy my parents a vacation/ I'd buy a place with a nice kitchen and fill a room with shoes Elliana Pogrebinsky/ Alex Benoit (1) Drive by by Train"/ Alexander Hamilton from Hamilton: An American Musical (2) Sandra Bullock/ Hugh Jackman (3) Rhythmic gymnastics/ Triple jump (4) Gilmore Girls / Sherlock (5) Pay back my parents for everything they have put into my sports and buy a horse/a Manhattan condo

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55

56 'I've been so lucky' Chicago s Phil Hersh: Three decades of figure skating journalism BY AMY ROSEWATER 54 The headline on his final Chicago Tribune column seemed to say it all: Five continents, 15 Olympics, 31 years and 6,200 stories later, it s time to say goodbye. For many longtime skating fans, the news that Philip Hersh, a staple at the Tribune since 1984, was retiring from the newspaper in 2015 was bittersweet. Phil, as he is known in skating circles, has been among the few deans of the sport s press boxes around the globe. Love him, or hate him his opinionated reporting could be glowing or downright critical many in the skating world hung on his every word. What fans may not know is that Hersh considers figure skating among his favorite sports. I ve been so lucky, Hersh told SKATING magazine. I ve been able to cover Kim Yu-Na, Evan [Lysacek], Brian Boitano, Katarina Witt, Michelle Kwan, Kristi Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton and now skaters like Jason Brown. Although he has retired from the grind of daily newspaper reporting, he is not hanging up his sports writing credentials. Hersh continues to cover Olympic sports on his website, Globetrotting by Philip Hersh, and reports skating competitions for icenetwork and other news outlets. This summer, he was in Rio de Janeiro working at the Olympics as a journalist. From the beginning, when he covered school figures at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid for the Chicago Sun Times, Hersh became enamored with the sport. He has covered 30 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, 13 World Figure Skating Championships and 10 Olympic Winter Games. Remarkably, however, his first opportunity to cover a major figure skating competition near his home came in 2014, when Hilton HHonors Skate America was competed in the Chicago suburb Hoffman Estates. The event makes a return visit this weekend but Hersh will be in New Zealand on a long-planned and well-deserved vacation for his 70th birthday. Hersh said he is looking into covering the 2017 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Kansas City, which would be his 31st. Over the decades, Hersh has seen the very best and, at times, the most unusual moments in figure skating history. From investigating the mysterious withdrawal of Russian Vladamir Kovalev at the 1980 Lake Placid Games, to the infamous 1994 U.S. Championships attack on Nancy Kerrigan that led to a lifetime ban of Tonya Harding, to the ladies judging controversy at the 2014 Sochi Games, Hersh s critiques and reporting have been read with great interest. But the sport is of great interest to him, too. Hersh grew to love figure skating and its Always in the middle of the media throng, Phil Hersh interviews Gracie Gold at the 2016 World Championships. Inset is Hersh s press credential from his first Olympics, the 1980 Lake Placid Games. many larger-than-life personalities. He became close with the late coach Carlo Fassi, whom Hersh said, had the courtesy, good humor and willingness to teach me the intricacies of the sport. He got to know Russian coach Tamara Moskvina well enough that when he traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, she gave him a guided tour of the city. Hersh said he will never forget her driving across the city at race-car speeds or dining in her home. Over the years, Hersh has witnessed many athletes transformations, including meeting Kristi Yamaguchi when she was still a shy girl and watching her mature into a confident woman. Hersh was in Albertville, France, when Yamaguchi won the 1992 Olympic gold medal. But chronicling the 10-year development of a local boy into an Olympic champion remains one of the most special moments in Hersh s journalism career. Hersh met Evan Lysacek at age 14, recognizing the skill and work ethic of what one day would become a champion. Hersh was in Vancouver for the Chicago Tribune when Lysacek upset defending Olympic champion Evgeny Plushenko. Hersh aptly shared the drama and emotions with readers of the Tribune, Lysacek s hometown newspaper. JAY ADEFF/U.S. FIGURE SKATING

57 Recognized as an authority on the sport, Hersh is interviewed by Korean television at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. PHIL HERSH S TOP FIGURE SKATING MOMENTS: These moments are not in any particular order of importance, Hersh said nor are they the last he plans on covering. Rudy Galindo s stunning upset at 1996 U.S. Championships in his hometown of San Jose, California: Leading up to the event, Galindo had lost his father to a heart attack (1993), a brother to AIDS (1994) and a coach to AIDS (1995). Unmotivated to train, he was such a late entry that he missed the deadline to be featured in the media guide. Yet Galindo pulled off one of the most remarkable performances of his life to score perfect 6.0s and win the title before a hometown crowd. Sportswriters have a code that they do not cheer in the press box. Hersh did not applaud, but said, It was all I could do not to cheer in the press box. Watching South Korean Kim Yu-Na at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver: When you combine the pressure from South Korea with the technical difficulty and artistry, she performed the greatest Olympic program I have ever seen. Alexei Yagudin winning the 1999 World Championships in Helsinki: I wrote that after Yagudin kissed the ice, the ice should have kissed back for the beautiful way he treated it. Brian Boitano winning the Battle of the Brians for the 1988 Olympic gold medal in Calgary: Nearly 30 years later, that program is as impressive as the day he skated it. Michelle Kwan claiming the World title in Edmonton in 1996: The combination of guts by adding a triple toe at the buzzer and performance quality still make me feel that it was the best skate of her career. Russian pairs team of Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov winning their second Olympic gold medal in 1994: Even though their Olympic performance was flawed, it was as if they were in tune with celestial harmony. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who won the 1984 Olympic ice dance championship and earned straight 6.0 scores for artistic impression for their Bolero routine: We had a contest among the writers to see who could get the word lubricious into a story about their free dance. I did. Katarina Witt winning the 1987 World title in Cincinnati: The way she played to the crowds in practice and competition her five OK, 4 ¾ triple jumps, beating Debi [Thomas] on her home soil. Impressive. Evgenia Medvedeva s free skate at the 2016 World Championships in Boston: Flat-out brilliance in every way. The rivalry between American ice dancers Meryl Davis & Charlie White and Canadians Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir: Together, they produced some of the most powerful, entertaining ice dance I have ever seen. Watching Japan s Midori Ito fall out of the rink in Munich: Ito got up, finished her program and then went back to apologize to the TV camera person she nearly hit. Chicago-area native Jason Brown s Riverdance free skate at the 2014 U.S. Championships in Boston: Not only was the performance riveting, but it earned Brown a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic Team in Sochi. Seeing Paul Wylie finally realize his enormous potential in the 1992 Albertville free skate and earning an Olympic silver medal. Tonya Harding becoming the first American woman to land a triple Axel in competition: She did so in impressive fashion at the 1991 U.S. Championships in Minneapolis. The Tonya-Nancy scandal of 1994: The mostwatched drama in sports history, Hersh was at the epicenter of the scandal. From the infamous whack on the knee at the U.S. Championships in Detroit to fighting the media throngs at the 1994 Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway, to the aftermath and Harding s lifetime ban, Hersh s reporting is still considered a main source on this story. 55

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