Final Flight

2011-12-29T23:03:00.000-08:00

A Very Musical Skater From the Past

ResultsCorner.com

2011-12-19T17:45:00.001-08:00

My blog has moved to resultscorner.com - a wiki-based database for ladies figure skating.

http://www.resultscorner.com

2011 World Championships in Russia, Finland or U.S.

2011-03-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

2010 World Champion Mao Asada

So it looks like Russia, Finland and the US are submitting bids to host the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships. Which country would you like to see win the offer? Vote! -->

2011 Four Continents Ladies Final Results

2011-02-20T14:22:00.000-08:00

P Photo/Chiang Ying-ying

1 Miki ANDO JPN 201.34 1 1
2 Mao ASADA JPN 196.30 2 2
3 Mirai NAGASU USA 189.46 4 3
4 Rachael FLATT USA 180.31 3 4
5 Alissa CZISNY USA 168.81 5 5
6 Cynthia PHANEUF CAN 163.14 7 6
7 Akiko SUZUKI JPN 162.59 6 7
8 Min-Jeong KWAK KOR 147.15 8 8
9 Amelie LACOSTE CAN 137.48 9 9
10 Cheltzie LEE AUS 127.90 10 10
11 Myriane SAMSON CAN 121.20 11 11
12 Yea-Ji YUN KOR 111.86 12 12
13 Bingwa GENG CHN 104.58 13 16
14 Qiuying ZHU CHN 102.38 16 15
15 Lejeanne MARAIS RSA 101.90 19 13
16 Chae-Hwa KIM KOR 101.79 17 14
17 Victoria MUNIZ PUR 99.40 15 17
18 Melinda WANG TPE 96.15 14 18
19 Mimi Tanasorn CHINDASOOK THA 91.54 18 20
20 Jaimee NOBBS AUS 89.93 20 19
21 Crystal KIANG TPE 86.60 21 21
22 Mericien VENZON PHI 84.17 22 22
23 Melanie SWANG THA 82.08 23 23
24 Chaochih LIU TPE 78.28 24 24
25 Tiffany Packard YU HKG FNR 25
26 Brittany LAU SIN FNR 26
27 Taryn JURGENSEN THA FNR 27
28 Reyna HAMUI MEX FNR 28
29 Mary Ro REYES MEXFNR 29

Alissa Czisny Wins Title 2, Rachael Flatt Will Also Go To Worlds

2011-01-29T21:47:00.001-08:00

This picture of Alissa Czisny says it all.

AP Photo/Bob Leverone

No one can argue this Alissa Czisny nationals victory. The elegant twenty-three year old skated brilliantly in both the short and long programs to win US Nationals for the second time in her career. Despite a number of shaky landings in her long program, Rachael Flatt pulled up to second place. The two women will represent the US at the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Mirai Nagasu finished third, while Agnes Zawadaki won the pewter medal

2011 US Nationals Final Results

1 21 Alissa Czisny, Detroit SC 2 62.50 1 128.74 191.24
2 23 Rachael Flatt, Broadmoor SC 3 62.32 2 121.06 183.38
3 22 Mirai Nagasu, Pasadena FSC 1 63.35 3 113.91 177.26
4 19 Agnes Zawadzki, Broadmoor SC 4 61.54 4 112.30 173.84
5 20 Christina Gao, Northern Kentucky SC 5 58.43 6 108.77 167.20
6 17 Ashley Wagner, SC of Wilmington 7 54.63 5 110.73 165.36
7 18 Vanessa Lam, All Year FSC 6 57.61 7 105.30 162.91
8 15 Yasmin Siraj, SC of Boston 8 49.91 8 102.56 152.47
9 14 Joelle Forte, SC of New York 12 47.03 9 102.25 149.28
10 9 Melissa Bulanhagui, University of Delaware FSC 15 45.36 11 99.17 144.53
11 6 Kristiene Gong, All Year FSC 17 44.12 10 99.18 143.30
12 13 Caroline Zhang, All Year FSC 10 48.48 12 92.47 140.95
13 8 Kelsey Traunero, SC of Wilmington 18 42.28 13 86.02 128.30
14 12 Alexe Gilles, Broadmoor SC 11 47.75 16 76.00 123.75
15 11 Kristine Musademba, Washington FSC 13 46.94 15 76.59 123.53
16 7 Ellie Kawamura, All Year FSC 16 45.19 14 76.75 121.94
17 16 Morgan Bell, Rocky Mountain FSC 9 49.73 20 69.84 119.57
18 10 Danielle Kahle, All Year FSC 14 45.87 19 71.74 117.61
19 3 Keli Zhou, SC of Oregon 19 41.38 17 74.21 115.59
20 4 Katy Jo West, Rocky Mountain FSC 21 40.07 18 72.74 112.81
21 5 Raina Narita, SC of New York 22 33.75 21 60.79 94.54
22 1 Tatyana Khazova, Broadmoor SC 23 26.58 22 58.91 85.49
WD Felicia Zhang, SC of New York 20 41.23

Sarah Meier Wins European Gold, Koster - Silver, Korpi - Bronze

2011-01-29T14:32:00.001-08:00

"It was the competition of my life. It makes it easier for me to move on with the rest of my life."

Sarah Meier - January 29, 2011

Yuri Kadobnov AFP Getty Images

Carolina Koster (silver), Sarah Meier (Gold), Kiira Korpi Bronze

2011 European Ladies Podium

AP Photo/Keystone/Peter Schneider

2011 European Ladies Final Results

1 Sarah MEIER SUI 170.60 3 2
2 Carolina KOSTNER ITA 168.54 6 1
3 Kiira KORPI FIN 166.40 1 4
4 Ksenia MAKAROVA RUS 162.04 2 5
5 Alena LEONOVA RUS 154.31 13 3
6 Viktoria HELGESSON SWE 151.66 4 7
7 Ira VANNUT BEL 150.66 10 6
8 Elene GEDEVANISHVILI GEO 147.96 5 8
9 Mae Berenice MEITE FRA 138.74 7 10
10 Valentina MARCHEI ITA 137.44 8 14
11 Sarah HECKEN GER 137.43 9 12
12 Sonia LAFUENTE ESP 135.82 11 11
13 Gerli LIINAMÄE EST 133.73 16 9
14 Jenna MCCORKELL GBR 132.15 12 15
15 Juulia TURKKILA FIN 131.38 14 13
16 Romy BÜHLER SUI 122.33 15 17
17 Karina JOHNSON DEN 121.63 24 16
18 Svetlana ISSAKOVA EST 118.44 18 18
19 Viktoria PAVUK HUN 112.70 19 21
20 Dasa GRM SLO 112.54 21 20
21 Alice GARLISI ITA 112.36 22 19
22 Fleur MAXWELL LUX 110.59 17 24
23 Hristina VASSILEVA BUL 106.79 20 22
24 Alexandra KUNOVA SVK 105.86 23 23
25 Anne Line GJERSEM NOR FNR 25
26 Irina MOVCHAN UKR FNR 26
27 Clara PETERS IRL FNR 27
28 Birce ATABEY TUR FNR 28

Kiira Korpi in lead after 2011 Europeans' short programs

2011-01-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

(AP Photo / KEYSTONE/Peter Klaunzer)

1 Kiira KORPI FIN 63.50 33.18 30.32 7.50 7.25 7.71 7.57 7.86 0.00 #23
2 Ksenia MAKAROVA RUS 60.35 32.98 27.37 6.96 6.50 6.93 6.82 7.00 0.00 #21
3 Sarah MEIER SUI 58.56 31.56 27.00 6.79 6.43 6.86 6.79 6.89 0.00 #24
4 Viktoria HELGESSON SWE 54.70 29.39 25.31 6.50 6.07 6.39 6.25 6.43 0.00 #25
5 Elene GEDEVANISHVILI GEO 53.68 27.03 26.65 6.71 6.36 6.71 6.64 6.89 0.00 #19
6 Carolina KOSTNER ITA 53.17 26.02 29.15 7.46 7.11 7.04 7.36 7.46 2.00 #17
7 Mae Berenice MEITE FRA 51.61 29.41 22.20 5.71 5.29 5.64 5.54 5.57 0.00 #20
8 Valentina MARCHEI ITA 51.24 25.36 25.88 6.43 6.14 6.61 6.43 6.75 0.00 #22
9 Sarah HECKEN GER 51.12 27.72 24.40 6.21 5.86 6.21 6.07 6.14 1.00 #26
10 Ira VANNUT BEL 50.90 30.67 20.23 5.25 4.82 5.18 5.11 4.93 0.00 #15
11 Sonia LAFUENTE ESP 49.10 26.45 22.65 5.79 5.50 5.68 5.68 5.68 0.00 #27
12 Jenna MCCORKELL GBR 48.65 25.54 23.11 5.96 5.54 5.89 5.71 5.79 0.00 #28
13 Alena LEONOVA RUS 48.40 22.66 25.74 6.54 6.14 6.43 6.46 6.61 0.00 #18
14 Juulia TURKKILA FIN 45.17 25.65 19.52 5.04 4.57 4.96 4.82 5.00 0.00 #7
15 Romy BÜHLER SUI 44.42 25.80 19.62 4.96 4.61 4.93 4.89 5.14 1.00 #5
16 Gerli LIINAMÄE EST 44.07 25.59 18.48 4.79 4.46 4.75 4.64 4.46 0.00 #11
17 Fleur MAXWELL LUX 43.64 24.25 19.39 4.89 4.50 5.00 4.89 4.96 0.00 #2
18 Svetlana ISSAKOVA EST 42.30 24.12 18.18 4.82 4.29 4.57 4.61 4.43 0.00 #13
19 Viktoria PAVUK HUN 42.18 23.47 18.71 4.79 4.39 4.79 4.68 4.75 0.00 #12
20 Hristina VASSILEVA BUL 39.11 22.74 16.37 4.29 3.82 4.18 4.18 4.00 0.00 #1
21 Dasa GRM SLO 38.97 21.68 17.29 4.50 4.14 4.29 4.32 4.36 0.00 #8
22 Alice GARLISI ITA 38.79 20.99 19.80 5.18 4.75 4.68 5.04 5.11 2.00 #16
23 Alexandra KUNOVA SVK 38.67 21.82 16.85 4.43 4.00 4.18 4.25 4.21 0.00 #9
24 Karina JOHNSON DEN 38.30 21.78 16.52 4.36 4.00 4.07 4.14 4.07 0.00 #6
25 Anne Line GJERSEM NOR 34.66 18.60 18.06 4.54 4.32 4.50 4.46 4.75 2.00 #14
26 Irina MOVCHAN UKR 31.43 14.52 16.91 4.64 4.04 4.04 4.29 4.14 0.00 #10
27 Clara PETERS IRL 30.91 15.22 15.69 3.93 3.68 3.86 4.07 4.07 0.00 #3
28 Birce ATABEY TUR 30.50 17.59 14.91 3.79 3.64 3.71 3.79 3.71 2.00 #4

Nagasu, Czisny, Flatt -1,2,3 After the Short

2011-01-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

As expected Mirai Nagasu, Alissa Czisny and Rachael Flatt compose the top three after the short program at 2011 US Nationals. All three women delivered strong short programs, but only two of them will represent the US at the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. The long program is on Saturday.

Mirai Nagasu - 1st in the Short - 63.35

AP Photo/Chuck Burton

Alissa Czisny - 2nd in the Short - 62.50

REUTERS/Chris Keane

Rachael Flatt - 3rd in the Long - 62.32

REUTERS/Chris Keane

2011 US Nationals Senior Ladies Short Program Results

1 Mirai Nagasu, Pasadena FSC 63.35
2 Alissa Czisny, Detroit SC 62.50
3 Rachael Flatt, Broadmoor SC 62.32
4 Agnes Zawadzki, Broadmoor SC 61.54
5 Christina Gao, Northern Kentucky SC 58.43
6 Vanessa Lam, All Year FSC 57.61
7 Ashley Wagner, SC of Wilmington 54.63
8 Yasmin Siraj, SC of Boston 49.91
9 Morgan Bell, Rocky Mountain FSC 49.73
10 Caroline Zhang, All Year FSC 48.48
11 Alexe Gilles, Broadmoor SC 47.75
12 Joelle Forte, SC of New York 47.03
13 Kristine Musademba, Washington FSC 46.94
14 Danielle Kahle, All Year FSC 45.87
15 Melissa Bulanhagui, University of Delaware FSC 45.36
16 Ellie Kawamura, All Year FSC 45.19
17 Kristiene Gong, All Year FSC 44.12
18 Kelsey Traunero, SC of Wilmington 42.28
19 Keli Zhou, SC of Oregon 41.38
20 Felicia Zhang, SC of New York 41.23
21 Katy Jo West, Rocky Mountain FSC 40.07
22 Raina Narita, SC of New York 33.75
23 Tatyana Khazova, Broadmoor SC 26.58

Courtney Hicks - 2011 US Junior Champ

2011-01-27T22:43:00.000-08:00

Lots of media interest regarding newly crowned US junior champ Courtney Hicks and her future future.

Golden Skate Hicks Turns Heads with Winning Performance

Christine Brennan Junior Ranks May Hold Sochi Star

Phil Hersh Is 5-foot Courtney Hicks the next big thing in U.S. skating?

Courtney already has a web page too. Click on the picture to visit her site.

2011 US Nationals Junior Ladies Results
1 Courtney Hicks, All Year FSC 1 60.84 1 112.38 173.22
2 Lauren Dinh, Broadmoor SC 3 52.51 2 101.48 153.99
3 Katarina Kulgeyko, Los Angeles FSC 2 53.08 3 93.54 146.62
4 McKinzie Daniels, Broadmoor SC 5 49.54 5 89.05 138.59
5 Mary Beth Marley, DuPage FSC 4 50.55 6 87.27 137.82
6 Ashley Cain, Stars FSC of Texas 7 48.35 4 89.09 137.44
7 Polina Edmunds, Peninsula SC 6 48.78 8 84.13 132.91
8 Haley Dunne, Washington FSC 9 46.10 7 86.47 132.57
9 Nina Jiang, Texas Gulf Coast FSC 8 46.74 9 81.81 128.55
10 Allison Timlen, Columbia FSC (MD) 10 45.20 10 70.44 115.64
11 Elise Eng, Princeton SC 11 43.24 11 59.78 103.02
12 Nicole Rajic, SC of New York 12 35.63 12 55.15 90.78

Hannah Miller - 2011 US Ladies Novice Champion

2011-01-25T23:40:00.000-08:00

1 Hannah Miller, Lansing SC 3 39.34 1 82.96 122.30
2 Barbie Long, Springfield FSC 2 41.77 2 80.08 121.85
3 Mariah Bell, Rocky Mountain FSC 1 41.91 3 73.42 115.33
4 Amanda Hofmann, Highland SC 9 32.11 4 68.05 100.16
5 Mia Eisenhandler, Gate City FSC 6 33.30 6 65.07 98.37
6 Katia Gorodetsky, N/A 11 29.66 5 67.28 96.94
7 Alana Walker, Los Angeles FSC 4 35.11 10 60.78 95.89
8 Ana Draovitch, SC of Northern Virginia 5 33.98 9 61.46 95.44
9 Ysabel Tran, All Year FSC 10 31.45 8 62.59 94.04
10 Viviana Mathis, University of Delaware FSC 8 32.98 11 58.37 91.35
11 Jordan Bauth, Jamestown SC 7 33.16 12 57.77 90.93
12 Jessica Pfund, Broadmoor SC 12 25.92 7 63.59 89.51

US Ladies Novice Short Program Results

2011-01-23T17:44:00.000-08:00

1. Mariah Bell
2. Barbie Long
3. Hannah Miller
4. Alana Walker
5. Ana Draovitch
6. Mia Eisenhandler
7. Jordan Bauth
8. Viviana Mathis
9. Amanda Hofmann
10. Ysabel Tran
11. Katia Gorodetsky
12. Jessica Pfund

Amanda Dobb's Announcement on Withdrawing from US Nationals

2011-01-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

Amanda Dobbs competes at the

2010 Four Continents Championship

AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon

Amanda Dobbs, sixth place finisher in the senior ladies division at last year's US Figure Skating Championships, has withdrawn from this year's nationals. The 17-year-old California native posted the following statement on her website, AmandaDobbs.com.

"I am sad to announce that I have had to withdraw from the 2011 US National Championships in Greensboro, NC. I took a weird fall on a jump last week and hurt my ankle...and while it will heal up just fine...it will not do so in time for me to be ready to compete next week =(

I don't always understand why at the time, but I believe things happen for a reason! My training has been going very well and I'm looking forward to getting back onto the ice and working towards a great new year! Thanks for all of the kind words and support I have already received from so many of you!"

Agnes Zawadzki Readying for Senior US Nationals Debut

2011-01-23T05:33:00.000-08:00

Agnes Zawadzki skates her long program at 2010 Cup of Russia

Agnes Zawadzki, who won the US ladies junior title last year, makes her senior national debut this week at the 2011 US Figure Skating Championships. The reigning World Junior silver medalist, Zawadzki, the sixteen year old from Chicago told IceNetwork that she's hoping to play spoiler in Greensboro.

Here are some key quotes from IceNetwork's article: Zawadzki aims to play spoiler at U.S. Champs

"I've got to do it, especially in the long program." - Agnes Zawadzki

"I'm still getting used to the pressure [of being in contention] at such high-level competitions." - Agnes Zawadzki

"If she had done the Junior Grand Prix, her results might have been a little stronger overall, and she could have made the [Junior Grand Prix] Final, but competing on the Senior Grand Prix she learned how to cope with the pressure of TV and compete with the top women in the world." - Tom Zakrajsek, Agnes' coach

"She's been working on her mental toughness, not just for the long program but in general." - Tom Zakrajsek

"There are so many great women to compete with at nationals, that to receive any kind of assignment -- be it worlds, Four Continents or junior worlds -- would be a huge honor." - Tom Zakrajsek

Kiri Baga Out of 2011 US Nationals

2011-01-23T00:06:00.000-08:00

Kiri Baga will miss 2011 US Nationals

Kiri Baga, the 2009 US National Novice Champion and 2010 US Junior Pewter medalist, has withdrawn from the 2011 US Figure Skating Championships due to severe tendonitis in both ankles.

Baga had a strong fall season, culminating in a silver medal at the junior grand prix. However, she later withdrew from the competition due to her aggravated ankle.

Baga announced her withdrawl on her Twitter account today. She would have made her senior debut this week in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Note: Amanda Dobbs and Samantha Cesario have also withdrawn from US Nationals.

Cynthia Phaneuf Claims Second Canadian Title

2011-01-22T16:47:00.000-08:00

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward

Coach Annie Barabe and Cynthia Phaneuf celebrate her second Canadian title.

In a lesson in perseverence Cynthia Phaneuf won her second Canadian champion on Saturday afternoon, seven years after her first title, rebounding from years of injuries and dramatic growth spurts that would have ended the career of lesser-determined athletes.

"Finally, finally, finally,” Phaneuf said moments after regaining the ladies title.

Myriane Samson rebounded from a fall in the short program that left her in fourth place to pull up to a silver medal. Her finish landed her a spot on the world team for the second year in a row; she finished 29th in 2010, as a replacement for Joannie Rochette. Amelie LaCoste finished third for the second Canadians bronze medal of her career, and Alejandra Navarro fell to fourth.

2011 Canadian Championships Senior Ladies Final Results

1 Cynthia Phaneuf QC 60.77 111.55 172.32
2 Myriane Samson QC 49.75 108.07 157.82
3 Amelie Lacoste QC 50.86 100.86 151.72
4 Alexandra Najarro CO 52.12 95.26 147.38
5 Adriana DeSanctis CO 47.81 96.42 144.23
6 Jessica Dube QC 48.81 82.09 130.90
7 Vanessa Grenier QC 44.13 85.80 129.93
8 Dallas Daniel AB/NT/NU 38.99 90.68 129.67
9 Kate Charbonneau MB 38.61 81.89 120.50
10 Sarah Jourdain QC 45.69 70.23 115.92
11 Devon Neuls BC/YT 37.92 77.01 114.93
12 Kelsey McNeil NB 34.52 75.40 109.92
13 Rylie McCulloch-Casarsa WO 38.61 68.59 107.20
14 Jessica-Amy Sergeant AB/NT/NU 36.05 70.73 106.78
15 Izabel Valiquette QC 35.62 69.09 104.71
16 Daniela-Bella Favot WO 33.97 65.08 99.05
17 Karine Chevrier QC 36.57 61.13 97.70
18 Jacqueline Lenuik BC/YT 33.36 56.06 89.42

Who is Alexandra Najarro?

2011-01-22T06:50:00.001-08:00

Darren Stone, Victoria Times Colonist

Alexandra Najarro surprised many yesterday when she placed second in the ladies short program at the 2011 Canadian Figure Skating Championships. She may have even stunned herself. The petite teenager was already on a bus heading back to the competitors' hotel when she was dragged off of it to answer reporters' questions. "I'm new to all this," she apologized.

With a clean short program skate under her belt, triple toe-double toe combination, triple flip and double axel, Najarro lingers only behind Cynthia Phaneuf heading into today's long program. Although the young skater may now find herself heading to Tokyo, Japan in March as part of Canada's World team, she maintains that a trip to junior worlds would be thrilling enough.

Truth is, Najarro is already a seasoned skater on the international level, having spent three years on the junior grand prix circuit with her highest finish, a 5th place, at the 2008 John Curry Memorial. She placed 15th in the senior ladies division at the 2010 Canadians.

Here are some quick facts on Najarro.

She hails from Vaghan, Ontario.

17-year-old Najarro began skating at the age of five.

She will skate to Raul di Blasio's Otonal in today's free skate.

Short Program music: Tritsch Tratsch Plka by Johann Strauss with Second Waltz by Andre Rieu

'80s skating phenom Tracey Wainman coaches Najarro.

Choreographers: Shae-Lynn Bourne and Myke Gillman.

The teen attends a French immersion high school.

She played a small role in the Disney's Ice Princess film as Snowplow Sam.

Cynthia Phaneuf Halfway to Second Canadian Championship

2011-01-21T22:32:00.000-08:00

Coach Annie Barabe and student

Cynthia Phaneuf celebrate a great short program

Reuters/Andy Clark

"When I came here I didn't hide myself from it. I said it openly. I'm here to win, and I'm not going to say that I want to skate well and be proud when I get off the ice. I want to go home and have the gold around my neck, and I know what I have to do to have the medal."

- Cynthia Phaneuf - January 21, 2010 - Post-Short Program

It's refreshing to see a female skater with a healthy and openly competitive attitude.

The final skater of the evening, Cynthia Phaneuf, won the short program at the 2011 Canadian Figure Skating Championships tonight. The Quebc skater performed a clean short program and heads into tomorrow's long program with a healthy 8.65 lead over second place finisher, 17-year-old Alexandra Najarro. Amelie Lacoste and Myriane Samson finished third and fourth, respectively. Jessica Dube, whose pairs partner Bryce Davison is sitting out the seasonfollowing knee surgery, placed fifth in her return to singles skating, while former US competitor Adriana DeSanctis sits in sixth place.

Short Program Results

1	Cynthia Phaneuf	QC	60.77	-	60.77
2	Alexandra Najarro	CO	52.12	-	52.12
3	Amelie Lacoste	QC	50.86	-	50.86
4	Myriane Samson	QC	49.75	-	49.75
5	Jessica Dube	QC	48.81	-	48.81
6	Adriana DeSanctis	CO	47.81	-	47.81
7	Sarah Jourdain	QC	45.69	-	45.69
8	Vanessa Grenier	QC	44.13	-	44.13
9	Dallas Daniel	AB/NT/NU	38.99	-	38.99
10	Rylie McCulloch-Casarsa	WO	38.61	-	38.61
11	Kate Charbonneau	MB	38.61	-	38.61
12	Devon Neuls	BC/YT	37.92	-	37.92
13	Karine Chevrier	QC	36.57	-	36.57
14	Jessica-Amy Sergeant	AB/NT/NU	36.05	-	36.05
15	Izabel Valiquette	QC	35.62	-	35.62
16	Kelsey McNeil	NB	34.52	-	34.52
17	Daniela-Bella Favot	WO	33.97	-	33.97
18	Jacqueline Lenuik	BC/YT	33.36	-	33.36

Rachael Flatt calls new East of Eden short program, "my best program yet."

2011-01-21T06:03:00.000-08:00

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

IceNetwork.com's latest article, Flatt scrapping jazzy short for Greensboro, contains many pre- Nationals' comments from US Champ Rachael Flatt and her coach, Tom Zakrajsek.

Highlights:

On Rachael's physical state:

"I've made a fully recovery." - Rachael Flatt

"She has been pain-free for a while and is extremely well prepared." - Tom Zakrajsek

"I'm training incredibly well heading into nationals." - Rachael Flatt

On choosing East of Eden music for her new short program:

"We wanted something more mature, more refined and elegant." - Tom Zakrajsek

"Lori came up with a phenomenal program." - Rachael Flatt

"I think it's my best program yet. I can't wait to debut it at nationals; I hope it blows everyone away." - Rachael Flatt

On using music so closely associated with Michelle Kwan:

"Certainly we are aware Michelle skated to the music. It was an amazing performance under the 6.0 system. I trust Lori's instincts; she suggested the music, and she choreographed it for the International Judging System [IJS], so it's a very different program under a very different system." - Tom Zakrajsek

Cynthia Phaneuf in Pursuit of Canadian Championship #2

2011-01-21T04:29:00.000-08:00

Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press

Cynthia Phaneuf, above with coach, Annie Barabe, finished fifth at the 2010 World Figure Skating Championships. With Olympic bronze medalist Joannie Rochette sitting out the season, Phaneuf is the favorite to win the ladies title at the 2011 Canadian Figure Skating Championships. The twenty-three-year old last won the competition in 2004

The ladies short program begins this Friday at 6:20 pm PST. Here is the start order:

1 Daniela-Bella Favot WO

2 Karine Chevrier QC

3 Jessica-Amy Sergeant AB/NT/NU

4 Kelsey McNeil NB

5 Sarah Jourdain QC

6 Jacqueline Lenuik BC/YT

7 Izabel Valiquette QC

8 Rylie McCulloch-Casarsa WO

9 Jessica Dube QC

10 Devon Neuls BC/YT

11 Kate Charbonneau MB

12 Dallas Daniel AB/NT/NU

13 Adriana DeSanctis CO

14 Alexandra Najarro CO

15 Vanessa Grenier QC

16 Amelie Lacoste QC

17 Myriane Samson QC

18 Cynthia Phaneuf QC

Michelle Kwan, Lobster, Steak-Eye and Obama

2011-01-19T23:36:00.000-08:00

Reuters Jonathan Ernst

Michelle Kwan was served lobster and steak-eye at the White House tonight at the state dinner hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama for President of China Hu Jintao.

Rachael Flatt's Moon River Costume

2011-01-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

For a little less than a thousand bucks, you can own Rachael Flatt's 2008 short program "Moon River" costume, and your money goes to a great cause: U.S. Figure Skating Memorial Fund. Head over to SkatingMall.com to bid on the dress.

US Nationals Preview And 2011's Best Program Belongs To...

2011-01-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

I didn't understand Alissa Czisny's national victory a few years back and have always felt that her presentation scores were too high.

Not this season. I find her free skate, Selections from Winter and Spring, absolutely breathtaking. For me, its ethereal beauty ranks up there with recent gorgeous programs from this century like: Sasha Cohen's Baroque Selections, Michelle Kwan's East of Eden exhibition, Angela Nikodinov's Sleeping Beauty, Vanessa Gusmeroli's Legends of the Fall and Mao Asada's Nocturne short program from several years back. In other words, a special program, like Alissa's comes along very rarely.

I am convinced that no woman this season has a more captivating program, long or short. Yes, that's a bold statement to make considering Olympic champ Yuna Kim has yet to show her programs.

Does anyone know if Brian Boitano still mentors Alissa? I haven't heard anything pertaining to his involvement with her this season. Enjoy the video. I always do.

Twitter and Skating

2011-01-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

I signed up for Twitter yesterday. I'm new to this intimidating phenomenon but would love to connect with other figure skating fans. Follow Me and I'll Follow You

Rachael Flatt switches to new short program

2011-01-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

Getty Images

Rachael Flatt announced a new short program today. She's now skating to East of Eden, the same Lee Holdridge piece so closely associated with Michelle Kwan. Bold choice for Rachael.

Will it be Number 2 for Flatt, Czisny or Nagasu?

2011-01-12T22:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, that rhymed. No, it wasn't intentional. :)

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson

If neither of those 3 ladies wins her second US title in January, who might win their first? Ashley Wagner? If she can skate a clean short program, maybe. Newbie Agnes Zawadzki? If she can stop skating shaky long program, perhaps.

My gut says Mirai Nagasu wins a second US championship this month. Not only do I feel she's pacing herself well this season, she also thrives under lower expectations. On the other hand, Alissa Czisny historically struggles in the favorite role. Of course, Rachael Flatt can never be counted out. Ever. How many times has she gotten the last laugh. So, what do you think will happen?

Vote >>>>>>

Beatrisa Liang Announces Retirement

2010-05-08T19:45:00.001-07:00

American Beatrisa Liang

Bebe Liang has announced her retirement after 10 years on the senior level. She finished 10th at 2008 Worlds, 3rd at 2006 Four Continents and won the pewter medal at the 2007 US Nationals.

Flashback: Beatrisa makes her senior debut at 2001 US Nationals

Flashback: Beatrisa's 2005 US Nationals long program

Flashback: Beatrisa's short program at 2007 US Nationals

Favorite Short Program Performance of the Year Results

2010-04-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Yuna Kim - 2010 Olympics

449 (91%)

Mao Asada - 2010 Olympics

15 (3%)

Joannie Rochette - 2010 Olympics

14 (2%)

Mirai Nagasu - 2010 World Championships

8 (1%)

Other

6 (1%)

Votes so far: 492
Poll closed

Favorite Short Program Performance of the Year?

2010-04-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

Two-time World Champion Mao Asada

Who gave your favorite short program performance of the year? Yuna? Mao? Joannie? Mirai? Other? Vote! --->

Photo AFP

2010 World Championships - Final Results + Notes

2010-03-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

2010 World Champion Mao Asada

Mao Asada - Gold

Yuna Kim - Silver

Laura Lepisto - Bronze

4. Miki Ando

5. Cynthia Phaneuf

6. Carolina Kostner

7. Mirai Nagasu

8. Ksenia Makarova

9. Rachael Flatt

10. Viktoria Helgesson

Mao Asada becomes the first woman to regain the World title since Irina Slutskaya in 2005. Yuna Kim's inability to defend her world title means Katarina Witt remains the last woman to go undefeated all season in the year she took Olympic gold. Laura Lepisto is the first lady from Finland to ever medal at the World Championships. Cynthia Phaneuf has bragging rights as the highest placing North American skater. For the third straight season, the lady with the higher US Nationals finish is not the highest placing American at worlds.

2010 World Championships - Ladies Short Program Results

2010-03-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Mirai Nagasu in the lead.

Who saw this coming?

Top 24 advance to the long program

1 Mirai Nagasu USA 70.40 40.20 30.20
2 Mao Asada JPN 68.08 37.12 30.96
3 Laura Lepisto FIN 64.30 34.98 29.32
4 Carolina Kostner ITA 62.20 33.20 29.00
5 Ksenia Makarova RUS 62.06 36.90 25.16
6 Rachael Flatt USA 60.88 33.80 27.08
7 Yu-Na Kim KOR 60.30 30.02 30.28
8 Cynthia Phaneuf CAN 59.50 33.94 25.56
9 Viktoria Helgesson SWE 56.32 32.68 23.64
10 Julia Sebestyen HUN 56.10 30.06 26.04
11 Miki Ando JPN 55.78 28.70 28.08
12 Elene Gedevanishvili GEO 55.26 30.34 25.92
13 Sarah Hecken GER 55.20 33.64 21.56
14 Alena Leonova RUS 54.36 29.40 25.96
15 Jenna McCorkell GBR 52.12 29.92 22.20
16 Kiira Korpi FIN 51.72 26.68 26.04
17 Cheltzie Lee AUS 51.36 31.40 19.96
18 Yan Liu CHN 49.96 28.52 21.44
19 Anastasia Gimazetdinova UZB 49.10 29.34 19.76
20 Akiko Suzuki JPN 48.36 23.32 26.04
21 Sonia Lafuente ESP 47.72 27.08 21.64
22 Elena Glebova EST 47.72 26.32 21.40
23 Min-Jung Kwak KOR 47.46 27.30 21.16
24 Manouk Gijsman NED 47.44 30.60 16.84
25 Ivana Reitmayerova SVK 45.96 25.60 20.36
26 Sarah Meier SUI 45.06 23.10 22.96
27 Tamar Katz ISR 44.96 25.20 20.76
28 Tugba Karademir TUR 44.52 23.88 20.64
29 Myriane Samson CAN 44.20 24.44 21.76
30 Kerstin Frank AUT 43.80 26.76 17.04
31 Victoria Muniz PUR 41.08 25.24 15.84
32 Bettina Heim SUI 41.00 24.60 16.40
33 Fleur Maxwell LUX 40.22 24.70 16.52
34 Teodora Postic SLO 40.20 23.64 18.56
35 Karina Johnson DEN 38.22 23.78 15.44
36 Zanna Pugaca LAT 38.20 24.48 13.72
37 Mirna Libric CRO 37.24 22.52 14.72
38 Lauren Ko PHI 33.34 19.30 14.04
39 Martina Bocek CZE 32.90 18.66 15.24
40 Irina Movchan UKR 32.60 19.00 14.60
41 Sonia Radeva BUL 32.12 20.60 12.52
42 Ana Cecilia Cantu MEX 31.88 16.64 15.24
43 Crystal Kiang TPE 31.72 18.36 13.36
44 Georgia Glastris GRE 31.36 18.00 13.36
45 Gwendoline Didier FRA 29.32 15.28 16.04
46 Marina Seeh SRB 28.32 17.84 10.48
47 Clara Peters IRL 28.20 16.00 12.20
48 Tamami Ono HKG 27.74 13.54 14.20
49 Abigail Pietersen RSA 25.76 14.88 11.88
50 Charissa Tansomboon THA 25.22 13.90 12.32
51 Sabina Paquier ROU 24.42 14.46 10.96
52 Yoniko Eva Washington IND 24.24 15.00 10.24
53 Beatrice Rozinskaite LTU 23.68 13.72 10.96
WDR Isabelle Pieman BEL
WDR Sonja Mugosa MNE

Photo AFP

Yuna Kim is Favorite World Bronze Medalist from 2000-2009

2010-03-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Queen Reigns

Favorite World Bronze Medalist from 2000-2009?

Can Yuna Kim Channel Her Inner Katarina Witt?

2010-03-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Katarina Witt went undefeated in the 1987-88 season

As Yuna Kim prepares to defend her World title this week, it's worth noting that a win would make her undefeated all season long. Who was the last Olympic ladies champion to produce a flawless season in the year she won? None other than Katarina Witt in 1988. Shizuka Arakawa (2006), Sarah Hughes (2002), Tara Lipinski (1998), Oksana Baiul (1994) and Kristi Yamaguchi (1992) all had blemished records in the same season they won Olympic gold.

Yuna Kim goes for a perfect season this week.

Photo Reuters

Flashback: Sjoukje Dijkstra Wins 1963 World Championships

2010-03-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sjoukje Dijkstra - Olympic and

Three-time world champion

The 2010 World Championships take place this week in Torino, Italy. The last time the world championships were held in Italy? 1963. Sjoukje Dijkstra of the Netherlands won the ladies event with Regine Heitzer (Austria) taking silver and France's Nicole Hassler finishing third. Dijkstra turned professional shortly after winning gold at the 1964 Olympics and toured with Holiday on Ice. Nowadays, she works as a commentator for Dutch television.

Here's a clip of Dijkstra skating at the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics.

Three Olympic Ladies Champions on "Thin Ice" Tonight

2010-03-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Kristi Yamaguchi will be a judge on tonight's "Thin Ice"

Tonight at 8 p.m./7 p.m. Central, ABC premieres their new reality competition "Thin Ice." The premise: 10 professional figure skaters from four skating disciplines - ladies, mens, pairs and ice dance - will be paired as five couples and compete for $220,000 in prize money. 2006 Olympic Champion Shizuka Arakawa will represent the ladies discipline, while 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and 1984 and 1988 Olympic Champion Katarina Witt will serve on the judging panel.

Joannie Rochette will also appear on the show to skate a special exhibition for her deceased mother.

Favorite World Bronze Medalist from 2000-2009?

2010-03-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Reigning World Bronze Medalist Miki Ando

In honor of next week's World Championships, who is your favorite world bronze medalist from the 2000s (2000-2009)? Poll is to the right.

Photo AP

Which woman is most likely to play spoiler for the Vancouver medalists at the 2010 Worlds? - RESULTS

2010-03-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Mirai Nagasu

Which woman is most likely to play spoiler for the Vancouver medalists at the 2010 Worlds? - RESULTS

The Nancy Kerrigan Barbie That Never Was

2010-03-16T16:20:00.001-07:00

Nancy Kerrigan's deal with Disney was just

one of her many endorsements in 1994.

Back in early 1994 Nancy Kerrigan was raking in endorsements following her inspiring performances at the Lillehammer Olympics. Kerrigan even inked a deal with Mattel, Inc. for a line of Barbie Dolls in her name that were set to hit toy shelves in fall of 1994. After Kerrigan experienced a number of pr blunders, Mattel nixed the deal and the Kerrigan Barbies were never produced - sort of. Mattel had gotten so far as making a mold of Kerrigan for the dolls before shelving the idea. So what did they do with the mold? They used it for their Esmeralda Barbie (from the Hunchback of Notre Dame film) seen below. So in a convoluted way, Kerrigan did end up as a Barbie doll after all.

Esmeralda Kerrigan

Olympic Bronze Medalist Joannie Rochette out of Worlds

2010-03-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Joannie Rochette has withdrawn

from the 2010 World Championships

“With everything that has happened over the past few weeks, I have missed a significant amount of training time,” Rochette said in a statement. “That means I’m not prepared either emotionally or physically to skate well at these championships and once again challenge for the podium.

“Whenever I compete I want to give my best to the fans, and to respect the competitive nature of the sport. I just would not be able to do that for either the fans or myself next week.”

Myriane Samson will replace Rochette on Canada's world team.

Click here for the full story

Photo AP

Flashback: Tiffany Chin Wins 1981 World Junior Title

2010-03-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

Tiffany Chin - 1981 World Junior Champion

With the 2010 World Junior Championships officially concluding this weekend, let's look back on a former champion of the event, Tiffany Chin of the United States. At 4'8" and 70 pounds, 13-year old Chin won the World Junior title in 1981. Coached by Frank Carroll back then, she was also the reigning US silver medalist at the time. The two other women to stand on the podium at Junior Worlds with Tiffany were both from the Soviet Union: Marina Serova (silver) and Anna Antonova (bronze).

Tiffany went on to place 4th at the 1984 Olympics, win two world bronze medals (1985 and 1986) and take a US title in 1985. Incidentally, Tiffany began ice skating after her mom, Marjorie, bought a pair of ice skates at a garage sale for $1.00.

Flashback: Here's a clip of her long program from 1981 World Junior Championships.

If you're in a real retro mood, there's a hardcover children's book on Tiffany currently going for only 1.00 on eBay. The biography, Tiffany Chin: A Dream on Ice by Ray Buck was published in 1986 before Tiffany's unfortunate slide down the national and international ranks.

Kanako Murakami - 2010 World Junior Champion

2010-03-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

Kanako Murakami caps off a perfect season with World Junior title

Earlier today, Kanako Murakami won the ladies title at the 2010 World Junior Championships. Murakami has had a breakout season by winning every single junior competition she entered. Murakami took gold at both her junior grand prix events, the final, the Japanese Championships at the junior level and the Ice Challenge. It's not inconceivable that we may see the 15-year-old (she turns 16 in November) at the senior World Championships next year.

Kanako Murakami JPN - Gold

Agnes Zawadzki USA - Silver

Polina Agafonova RUS - Bronze

Polina Shelepen RUS - 4th

Anna Ovcharova RUS - 5th

Kate Charbonneau CAN - 6th

Kiri Baga USA - 7th

Christina Gao USA - 8th

Joshi Helgesson SWE - 9th

Julia Pfrengle GER - 10th

Alena Leonova's Last Day as Reigning World Junior Champion

2010-03-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

Alena Leonova - 2009 World Junior Champion

Today marks the final day of Russia's Alena Leonova's reign as World Junior Champion. The 9th place finisher at the Vancouver Olympics surprised many when she won the title last year against Americans Caroline Zhang and Ashley Wagner. Tomorrow a new ladies champion will be crowned when the women skate their long programs at the 2010 World Junior Championships.

The current standings after the short program:

1	Anna Ovcharova	RUS	59.80	36.20	23.60
2	Kanako Murakami	JPN	59.00	34.60	24.40
3	Polina Agafonova	RUS	56.28	34.28	22.00
4	Kate Charbonneau	CAN	53.80	33.08	20.72
5	Kiri Baga	USA	52.28	30.24	22.04
6	Joshi Helgesson	SWE	52.10	30.30	21.80
7	Polina Shelepen	RUS	51.42	28.90	22.52
8	Agnes Zawadzki	USA	50.98	31.74	20.24
9	Christina Gao	USA	49.34	28.50	20.84
10	Lena Marrocco	FRA	49.10	28.90	20.20

Photo AP

Yuna Kim and Dorothy Hamill's Incredible Popularity

2010-03-11T09:42:00.001-08:00

The Queen and Dorothy -Endorsement Gold

Yuna Kim's presence in Korea is reminiscent of Dorothy Hamill's popularity in America in the late 1970s. Even 34 years after her Olympic win, Hamill still holds the distinction of being the most sought US figure skater for commercial endorsements. Like Dorothy, Yuna is an agent's dream, receiving and accepting offers to endorse a wide variety of commercial products. The US may never see another skater eclipse Hamill's popularity, nor will South Korea likely ever produce a star of Kim's magnitude.

Yuna Kim

Headlined her own tour

Starred in several television specials

Endorsed or Inspired:

Cosmetics

Clothing

Cars

Laundry Softener

Women's Hygiene Products

CDs

Shoes

Banks

Procter & Gamble

and many more!

Dorothy Hamill

Inspired a famous hairdo

Inspired the Dorothy Hamill doll

Created the Hamill Camel

Headlined her own tour

Starred in several television specials

Endorsed:

Shampoo

Medicine

Food

Coffee

Clothing

Chapstick

Cosmetics

Gardening

and many more!

Ice Castles - 2010 Remake Now On DVD

2010-03-10T14:12:00.001-08:00

Ice Castles 2010

Ice Castles 1978

In case you missed it, especially during all excitement of the Olympics, Sony Pictures released the remake of Ice Castles on DVD last month. Plans for a theatrical release were scrapped late last year. The remake finds real-life skater Taylor Firth stepping into Lynn-Holly Johnson's ice skates as Lexi, the Olympic-bound athlete who goes blind after a horrific accident. I ordered a copy today and will post a review in a feature post. Figure skaters Michelle Kwan and Molly Oberstar also appear in the film.

Can Mirai Nagasu play spoiler for the Vancouver medalists at the 2010 Worlds?

2010-03-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

4th place in Vancouver - Can Mirai Nagasu medal in Torino?

I've added a poll to the blog. Assuming all three Vancouver medalists make good on their promise to compete in Torino, are there any skaters who could upset the podium? Could Mirai Nagasu medal at her first Worlds? Will judges' favorite Laura Lepisto win her first World medal? Can Miki Ando rebound from her disappointment in Vancouver? Who is most likely to play spoiler? Poll is to the right of this post.

Photo AP

Ten Years Ago This Month - Jenny Kirk Wins 2000 World Junior Championships

2010-03-08T15:01:00.001-08:00

2000 World Junior Championships - Jenny Kirk

The 2010 World Junior Championships take place this week. Hard to believe that it's been ten years since Jenny Kirk won the World Junior title in Oberstdorf, Germany. Fellow American Deanna Stellato took silver and Sarah Meier from Switzerland won the bronze.

Flashback: Jenny Kirk's 2000 World Junior Championship Winning Long Program

Photo AP

Barbara Ann Scott - Canada's Only Ladies Olympic Champion

2010-03-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

Barbara Ann Scott on the cover of Time Magazine

With so much attention on Joannie Rochette during the Vancouver Olympics, it seems like a perfect time to recognize Barbara Ann Scott, the only Canadian ladies Olympic Champion. Barbara won the gold medal at the 1948 Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. She was also a two-time world champion and four-time Canadian champion. Barbara was also one of the flag bearers at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. A Canadian legend.

2014 Sochi Figure Skating Poster

2010-03-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

It's never too early to start counting down to Sochi. ;-) Here's the official poster. You can purchase it for $59.99 from some seller on eBay. I'm definitely feeling an Irina Slutskaya vibe from the poster.

Note: I am not the seller!

Yukari Nakano Retires

2010-03-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

Farewell, Yukari

The beautiful Yukari Nakano has announced her withdrawal from worlds and her retirement from eligible figure skating. She will focus on a broadcasting career, joining Fuji Television Network Inc this spring. Akiko Suzuki will replace Nakano on the world team.

Flashback - Yukari skates to a 4th place finish at the 2008 World Championships. After this magnetic performance, who would have ever though she would never return to Worlds

Capriccio Espagnol

Photo by Getty Images

Tenley Albright - America's First Ice Queen

2010-03-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

Although US ladies Mirai Nagasu and Rachael Flatt should be very proud of their finishes in Vancouver, the 2010 Olympics marked the first time an American woman finished off the ladies podium in 46 years.

In 1956 Tenley Albright was the first US woman to strike Olympic gold in the ladies figure skating event. Here she is pictured 54 years ago when she won gold at the Cortina Olympics.

Mao Makes History

2010-03-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

Mao Asada ~ Into The History Books

Let's not forget that in between Yuna Kim's perfect programs and Joannie Rochette's emotional performances, Mao Asada made history in Vancouver. She became: the first woman to land a triple axel in the short program at the Olympics, the first woman to land two triple axels in a free skate and the first woman to land three triple axels in one competition.

All Vancouver Medalists To Compete At Worlds

2010-03-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

1988 Olympic Podium - Liz Manley, Katarina Witt and Debi Thomas

2010 Olympic Podium - Mao Asada, Yuna Kim and Joannie Rochette

1988 was the last time the entire ladies Olympic podium competed at Worlds - until 2010. Vancouver medalists Yuna Kim, Mao Asada and Joannie Rochette have all verbally committed to the upcoming 2010 World Championships in Torino. Witt, Manley and Thomas all repeated their finishes from the 1988 Olympics when they competed at Worlds a month later. Will Kim, Asada and Rochette do the same?

Top Photo Getty Images

Bottom Photo Reuters

Joannie Rochette and Mao Asada To Carry Their Country's Flags in Closing Ceremonies

2010-02-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

Joannie Rochette - Canada's Flag Bearer

Joannie Rochette wore the Canadian flag after the ladies medal ceremony. Now she'll carry the flag for Canada in the Closing Ceremonies. Meanwhile, Mao Asada has been named the flag bearer for Japan.

Photo Reuters

Olympic Gala Performances

2010-02-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

The Queen waits to take the ice.

Olympic Gala performances were held today, officially bringing an end to figure skating in the Vancouver Olympics.

Photo Reuters

Vancouver Ladies Podium

2010-02-26T14:36:00.000-08:00

Three Remarkable Olympic Medalists -

Joannie Rochette, Yuna Kim and Mao Asada

Photo The Seattle Times

The Queen

2010-02-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

Your New Olympic Ladies Champion

The Queen - Yuna Kim

Photo AP

Shizuka Arakawa - Reigning Olympic Champion

2010-02-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

For one more day Shizuka Arakawa is the reigning Olympic ladies champion.

Joannie Rochette and Vancouver's Iconic Moment

2010-02-23T21:17:00.000-08:00

No matter what happens in the long program on Thursday, Joannie Rochette has provided the Vancouver Olympics with its most iconic image of the Games - as she bent over in grief and relief after delivering a clean short program two days after the death of her mother.

AP Photo