The ladies’ event at the US Figure Skating Championships looks to be a three-way race among the three women who have been easily the most impressive internationally this season - one a junior skate who is still not age-eligible for senior events internationally, and two skaters who have had solid results in an international field that is ever-changing. But the other story of note is the return of a two-time champ whose struggles over the past three seasons have been well-documented.
US Nationals predictions
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GOLD Alysa Liu - In a lot of ways, the defending champion is the favorite to repeat because of 1) consistency, and 2) base value. Even though her fundamentals still have a ways to go to be on par with Bell and Tennell, having that triple axel and quad lutz will allow her to make up for it. She’s shown a good bit of consistency this season - without it, she couldn’t have made it past that gauntlet of talented junior skaters to make it to the Junior Grand Prix Final. This is a stepping stone for Liu to Junior Worlds, and without unnecessarily taking the risk of a second quad lutz in the free like she did at JGPF, it should be a very doable title defense for her.
SILVER Mariah Bell - This season has been one of sheer determination for Bell - a desire to be consistent, a need to not get left behind in this international scene. And it’s resulted in her being in the best shape she’s ever been in - it’s translated into more effortless jumps and greater power all around. Her components have reflected this. Two Grand Prix medals, a Challengers win, and three 200+ scores have given her a good bit of momentum coming into Nationals. Expect her to be at or near clean here.
BRONZE Bradie Tennell - An injury threatened to derail the early part of her season, but her road over the past few months has been relatively smooth. She made it to the Grand Prix Final for the first time, taking fifth with a very strong free skate. But she’s also shown a bit more inconsistency than she has in past seasons, which puts some question marks over her chances to win another title here this week. But the material she’s working with this year - particularly the short program - is, by far, the strongest that she’s ever had. She will want to use that to her advantage here.
4. Amber Glenn - Glenn had a steady fall on the Grand Prix, finishing in the top 7 at both of her events. She’s been bubbling under the past few seasons at Nationals, and we’ve known the potential that she has to put out some really great performances. The free skate is the one that will tell the tale for here this week, but it could really be a career-changing competition for her here in Greensboro.
5. Gracie Gold - For those who have followed her journey through Regionals and Sectionals, you are well aware that Gold has been on both a technical comeback to get her jumps back in order and a conditioning comeback to be program-ready. Even at Sectionals two months ago, her jumps were hold-your-breath affairs. But with two more months of training, she’s showing many glimpses of what made her a two-time US champion. Yesterday’s first practice session in Greensboro was the first time her comeback is materializing into something tangible. She still might not have the conditioning yet to pull out a full-out free skate, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she puts herself in a really good spot after the short program.
6. Karen Chen - One of the skaters who has been juggling college with world-level skating, Chen likely sees this competition as one that will help her make a decision on whether or not she continues to compete. She’s put out some very good short programs this season, but the free skate has been a struggle.
7. Emily Zhang - After winning her regionals and sectionals events, Zhang comes in as one of the potential breakout skaters of this event. And as a result of those wins domestically, she got a chance to compete internationally, taking silver at Torun Cup earlier this month.
8. Gabriella Izzo - Last year’s junior champion makes her senior debut this year with some technical upgrades. She’s got really solid basics, and if she can pair that with consistent skating, she could make a splash here this week.
9. Starr Andrews - The short program has been Andrews’ strength this season. Her good showings internationally have come on the heels of strong short programs. If she is to figure into the top 6 here, she will need to set herself up well with a clean short and hope to hold on with a solid free.
10. Sarah Jung - Fourth in juniors last year, Jung got some international experience on the Junior Grand Prix this season. She’s got some big technical elements to help her contend in this field.