For the first time in a long time, the US pairs have three spots at the World Championships, and after three of the top pairs from last season split or retired, the opening is there for new names to get their Worlds experience. It will be Alexa Knierim/Brandon Frazier’s title to lose, especially given the strong season they’ve had so far following their World title last March.
2023 US Nationals pairs predictions
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GOLD Alexa Knierim/Brandon Frazier - A year ago, Knierim/Frazier withdrew from Nationals with Frazier coming down with COVID, and it seemed like their season could have been over. Two months later, they became World champions, and their outlook on their career completely changed. They are now looking for their second title together, and as a stepping stone to defending their World title in March. Their consistency—and the state of their side-by-sides—this week will be a sign of what’s to come for the rest of their season.
SILVER Emily Chan/Spencer Howe - After a strong Grand Prix series, they qualified for the Grand Prix Final, only to make errors there that kept them from really being in contention at all. They have a great look at silver this week, but it will need to make sure the mistakes don’t pile up. A strong short program will be key for them.
BRONZE Ellie Kam/Danny O’Shea - Only four months skating together, Kam/O’Shea look like they are already a seasoned pair. What they lack in the difficulty of their throws—the triple throws aren’t competition-ready yet—they will make up for in their already strong basics. If you haven’t been following the fall season, this might look like a surprise pick, but it really isn’t.
4. Sonia Baram/Daniel Tioutmensev - Last year’s junior champions make their senior debut this week after taking silver at the Junior Grand Prix Final. And from all accounts, it’s going to be a splashing debut. Baram is doing the double with her stint in the junior women’s event as well, so fatigue could be a factor. But if they can stay on their feet, a medal is in sight.
5. Valentina Plazas/Maximliano Fernandez - The beginning of the fall season was a highlight for them so far, and they will be looking to clean up the errors they had during the Grand Prix and improve on their sixth-place finish last year.
6. Maria Mokhova/Ivan Mokhov - They made their senior international debut this season, and it’s been a busy one, competing in two Grand Prix and two Challengers. It will be important for them to hit their side-by-sides to find a spot in the top five.
7. Katie McBeath/Nathan Bartholomay - Fifth at Nationals last year, McBeath/Bartholomay were hoping that this season would be a breakthrough for them. But injuries have made that difficult, and Bartholomay comes into San Jose with back issues that have limited their practice here.