2015 PRUDENTIAL U.S. FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS
A THRILLING SEQUEL
SKATERS DELIVER SUPERB PERFORMANCES IN GREENSBORO U.S. Figure Skating launched itself into
the next quadrennium with an epic competi- tion at the 2015 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina, Jan. 17–25.
Te high level of skating throughout the
event and the drama that unfolded in the champi- onship division are still being talked about today. “I can’t recall a U.S. Championships where the quality and competitiveness of the skating was so high, from the juvenile through senior levels,” U.S. Figure Skating President Samuel Auxier said. “Every event saw great performances. I was blown away by the huge audience for juvenile dance, the depth of our novice ladies and the performances of the junior men and ladies. “Te senior events, however, were truly
amazing.” Indeed. Ashley Wagner silenced her critics by put- ting out two stunning programs that lifted her to a third U.S. title in four years. A newcomer to the senior ranks, Karen Chen provided fans with a complete performance filled with technical skill and personality en route to the bronze medal. Fan-favorite Jason Brown continued on his
U.S. champions (l-r) Ashley Wagner, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Jason Brown, and Alexa Scimeca and Christopher Knierim have some fun with the U.S. Championships Trophy.
Jason Brown basks in the moment in Greensboro.
upward trajectory by winning his first U.S. ti- tle. But it wasn’t easy. Adam Rippon fired up the big crowd at the Greensboro Coliseum with a record-setting free skate (187.77 points) that se- cured him his second U.S. silver medal (His first was in 2012). And there was Joshua Farris, who endured injuries this fall but saved his best for the U.S. Championships and won the bronze medal. In the pairs ranks, Alexa Scimeca and Chris- topher Knierim hit the moon with their quad twist, winning their first U.S. title in record fash- ion. And in dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates took the baton from six-time U.S. champi- ons Meryl Davis and Charlie White to claim their first title, edging the veteran sister-brother team of Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani, who were within a fraction of a point of the lead heading into the free dance.
While the skaters kept the crowds cheering,
the teamwork of U.S. Figure Skating, the Greens- boro Coliseum staff and the local organizing committee could best be described as seamless and efficient. Te three entities, of course, worked together for the first time at the 2011 U.S. Cham- pionships in Greensboro. Chief referee Doug Williams heaped praise
on the overall efforts of everyone involved. “From preplanning to the final Smucker’s
exhibition, there was great teamwork and cama- raderie to make this event an event that would be enjoyed by both the athletes and also the great fans from the Greensboro area.” Kim Strable, president of the Greensboro
Sports Commission, helped direct many of the volunteers. He said the athletes, coaches and of- ficials were all receptive to the friendliness and helpful nature of the volunteers, adding that it’s one of his favorite events. In addition to the major renovations to the
Greensboro Coliseum, the fan experience was elevated to new heights via social media, the arena’s new video board and experiences in FanFest.
8 MARCH 2015
JAY ADEFF/U.S. FIGURE SKATING
JAY ADEFF/U.S. FIGURE SKATING
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