My sister Lydia and I follow figure skating all year long. We love to keep up to date on the athletes (new programs, injuries, struggles, comebacks, victories), the ever changing rules (will they ever stop?), and the drama of every single competition. It's such a lovely sport; combining music, beauty, artistry, and athleticism. Yep, I admit a major fixation. :)
Probably the most exciting event of the year is the US Championships, when our athletes are in top form, the national champions are crowned, we get to see who makes the world team... and who's (literally) left out in the cold.
This year fully lived up to expectations and was terribly exciting.
The ladies competition has always been my favorite (except for when Ice Dance got crazily intense last year) and is a real nail biter when the title is up for grabs. This year, three past champions were the leaders, and kept things together to make it a really interesting competition. Ultimately, Alissa Czisny took the gold in a beautiful, nearly flawless free skaye that was mesmerizing. She was my favorite going into the event and I am so glad that she's been able to continue her great season and really, truly, be the great skater we all know she is. I'll be cheering for her during the World Championships next month.
Alissa also had my favorite costumes in the competition, both of them simple and appropriate for her graceful programs. The minimalistic white short program gown featured just the beading at the beginning of the season, but then the flash of purple was added later for more effect. I think it's lovely. Alissa's blue dress suited the free skate program perfectly and looked like a gorgeous waterfall. I think it's one of the nicest skating dresses I've seen in a long time.
Ice Dance was the most predictable event this year and the top three couples were just what we hoped for. Meryl Davis and Charlie White were in great form, as usual, and there wasn't much of a challenge for gold. Although this team is one of my favorites, their programs fell a bit flat for me this year, and I wasn't hugely impressed by the costumes. Meryl's short dance dress (shown above) is lovely, but a bit costume-y. And she showcased yet another new dress in the free dance. I'm curious to see what she goes with for the World Championships.
Adorable brother-sister team Maia and Alex Shibuntani are definitely my favorite young team in ice dance. This is their first year as senior competitors and they have certainly shown themselves to be the ones to watch. Their programs were fabulous and they created a really special moment in the with their free dance, as well as claiming the silver medal with a fabulous score. And I just loved Maia's dresses. She's adorable. :)
The pairs competition went the way Lydia called it and we were both thrilled with the result. The men's event was a complete shocker, but we were ultimately pleased with the champion. Now, if only everyone can do well at worlds and get our three spots in each discipline back! I'll be watching... ;)
Did you follow the US Championships? Who are your favorite skaters and predictions for worlds?
-Amanda
Images: Yahoo Sports
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