2022 Skate America Program_digital

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Welcome to Skate America! We are thrilled to welcome you to 2023 Humana Skate America, the first of six global stops in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. The Dallas-area figure skating community runs deep, and we’re excited to have some of the world’s top skaters take

With a field of 56 athletes representing 19 countries, you will surely witness unforgettable performances at the Allen Events Center. On behalf of U.S. Figure Skating, I want to thank the Allen community for supporting and attending this prestigious event. I hope everyone enjoys the competition. Sincerely,

the ice in the Lone Star State. Over the next three days, you’ll

witness some of the best U.S. athletes going head-to-head with top skaters from around the world in women’s, men’s, pairs and ice dance disciplines. At stake, coveted medals and the chance to represent their country at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Dec. 7–10 in Beijing.

Samuel Auxier President, U.S. Figure Skating

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

OFFICIALS

REFEREES MEN & PAIRS Aniela Hebel-Szmak WOMEN Anne Cammett ICE DANCE Hilary Selby

TECHNICAL CONTROLLERS MEN & WOMEN Emilie Billow PAIRS Kerstin Kimminus ICE DANCE Christine Hurth TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS MEN & WOMEN Nilda Nancy Garcia Villareal Claudia Unger PAIRS Dana Graham Stephanie Lafleur Morin ICE DANCE Julia Rey Sergey Baranov DATA & REPLAY OPERATORS Peter Levin David Santee Yury Kliushnikov, AZE Antony Grevisse, BEL Nicole LeBlanc-Richard, CAN Hiu Liu, CHN Zuzana Plesnikova, CZE Marta Olozagarre, ESP Kadi Zvirik, EST Clement Perrigouard, FRA Florence Vuylsteker, FRA Salome Chigogidze, GEO Claudia Stahnke, GER Virginia DeAgostini, ITA Yuko Ogawa, JPN So Young An, KOR Agita Abele, LAT Nicole Van Gerwen-Mass, NED Agnieszka Swiderska, POL Laila Davidsson, SWE Deveny Deck, USA JUDGES Mark Storton, AUS

welcome specators!

The sport of figure skating shifts into high gear this weekend at 2023 Humana Skate America, the first of six events in the prestigious ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. Many of the top skaters in the United States and internationally are in the Lone Star State to compete for coveted medals, Series points and prize money at the Allen Events Center here in Allen, Texas. The top six skaters/teams at the conclusion of the Series (based on points) qualify for the ISU Grand Prix Figure Skating Final in Beijing, in early December. The four disciplines taking center ice — women, men, pairs and ice dance — are sure to delight with exquisite skating and breath-taking moves on full display. U.S. champions Isabeau Levito and Ilia

Malinin, and U.S. and World champion ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, are the event’s domestic headliners. Levito, 16, and Malinin, 18, have set their Olympic hopes in motion, as the veteran team of Chock and Bates continue their remarkable careers together at the highest level. The international field is also loaded, with the likes of reigning two-time World medalist Loena Hendrickx of Belgium, Kevin Aymoz, fourth at the 2023 World Championships, World pairs champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan, and Four Continents bronze medalist ice dancers Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha of Canada. The Prevagen Skating Spectacular wraps up the event on Sunday night, with a collection of fun and entertaining show programs. Enjoy!

Wendy Enzmann, USA Laurie Johnson, USA Janis Engel, USA

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

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2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

Caroline Green & Michael Parsons

Madison Chock & Evan Bates

Home cookin’ Team USA looking forward to Texas hospitality

BY TROY SCHWINDT The ice dance team of Caroline Green and Mi- chael Parsons kicked off their careers together in 2019 at Skate America in Las Vegas, where they placed seventh. Since then, the Canton, Michigan-based duo has methodically climbed the ranks of the most dominant ice dance program in the world. Last season, they claimed the silver medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships before finishing a resounding sixth at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2023. The Maryland natives, coached by U.S. bronze medalist Greg Zuerlein and Olympians Tanith White and Charlie White, return to 2023 Hu- mana Skate America this week in Allen, Texas, determined to resume their upward trajectory.

“From that first Skate America to this Skate America, it’s been quite the journey,” Parsons said. “I think we’ve grown so much as a team, as people, and our entire lives have moved to a different place. I think we are a completely dif- ferent team than we were then, for the better, of course.” “I think the confidence in ourselves has only grown with our confidence level in our new en- vironment,” Green said. “Now that we feel like we’ve built trust with our new coaching staff, we feel like so much more of a team and I think that’s going to show in our skates this season.” Green, 20, and Parsons, 28, who share an Oct. 3 birthday, will be joined by U.S. and World champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are the event’s defending titlists. Chock and Bates train in Montreal; they earned the

silver medal at the 2022 ISU Grand Prix Final. “We are excited for the new season and have set many goals but are also focused on staying grounded and taking things one day at a time,” Chock said. “We can’t wait to share our new programs with everyone at Skate America.” Chock and Bates have won Skate America three times (2022, 2015, 2014); the U.S. has claimed the event title in 14 consecutive years dating back to 2008. New York natives Oona Brown and Gage Brown, the 2022 World Junior champions, round out the U.S. ice dance contingent in Allen. Canada’s Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha, the 2023 Four Continents bronze medalists, top a strong international field.

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

Valentina Plazas & Maximiliano Fernandez

Isabeau Levito

Ilia Malinin

MEN Defending event champion Ilia Malinin of Reston, Virginia, headlines the men’s field. The 2023 U.S. champion landed the first-ever quad Axel in competition last season. He started this season with a dominant victory at the Autumn Classic Invitational in Canada, where he landed three quads in the free skate. U.S. pewter medalist Maxim Naumov makes his Grand Prix Series debut (exc. the 2020 domestic Skate America). The 2020 U.S. junior champion’s main goal is to improve the quality of his elements and accumulate World ranking points. “I’m excited to keep improving my ‘Tosca’ free skate and performing it with better and better execution,” the Boston-based Naumov said. Andrew Torgashev, who trains in Irvine, Califor- nia, is looking to build on last season, in which he earned the bronze medal at the U.S. Cham- pionships and competed at Worlds. He started the current campaign with a bronze-medal finish at the Lombardia Trophy in Italy. France’s Kevin Aymoz, fourth at the 2023 World Championships, leads of list of outstand- ing international skaters; athletes from Japan and Canada also are projected to push for a podium finish. WOMEN U.S. champion and 2022 Skate America silver medalist Isabeau Levito figures to contend for

PAIRS Valentina Plazas and Maximiliano Fernandez hope to take a leap forward — literally — start- ing at Skate America. “I feel like we’ve improved a lot in our jumps. We took the time in the offseason to drill our jumps, technique and patterns,” Plazas said. “We have a much quicker pattern into our [triple] toe and we are excited to show that this season.” Plazas and Fernandez, who train in Canton, Michigan, finished fifth at 2022 Skate America and sixth at the 2023 U.S. Championships. “Our goal is to find consistency within our components and elements and use it to build a storyline,” Fernandez said. Having joined forces in May, Chelsea Liu and Balazs Nagy competed for the first time last month at the Autumn Classic International in Canada, where they barely missed making the podium. Based in Irvine, California, both have competed with multiple partners and bring a wealth of pairs experience to the partnership. Grace Hanns and Danny Neudecker kick off their second season together in Allen. The Colorado Springs-based duo placed ninth at the 2023 U.S. Championships. World champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan arrive as the team to beat. They won each event last season that they competed in, except for the World Team Trophy.

the gold medal. The 16-year-old New Jersey native wrapped up her first senior international season in March by placing fourth at the 2023 World Championships. Levito arrives with an array of triple jumps, tight spins, effortless footwork and a presence that lights up on the ice. She embarks on this season ready to prove she belongs with the world’s elite skaters. “I’m definitely not Isabeau from last season,” Levito said. “Isabeau from last season was just happy to be there. It was my first year as a senior and I was getting to skate with all these seniors who have been around for a while. This season I feel like a senior that belongs there. I do belong there.” Amber Glenn, the 2023 U.S. bronze medalist, returns to Skate America where last season she collected the bronze medal. Glenn trains in Colorado Springs, Colorado, but is from Plano, Texas, just a few minutes from the Allen Events Center. Glenn is a fan favorite, winner of the 2023 SKATING magazine Readers’ Choice Award. Clare Seo, the 2022 U.S. junior champion, makes her Grand Prix Series debut in Allen. Seo, like Glenn, trains in Colorado Springs. “My goal for this competition is to enjoy the game without trembling, doing my best at every moment and leaving with no regrets,” Seo said.

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

assignments u.s. grand prix (lineup subject to change) The Grand Prix Series incorporates six international figure skating competitions as a unified point- scoring series that awards prize money to eligible skaters. At the conclusion of the series, athletes’ points are totaled, and the top six women, men, pairs and ice dance teams are eligible to compete in the 2023 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final.

SKATE CANADA INTERNATIONAL

GRAND PRIX ESPOO NOV. 17-19 | ESPOO, FINLAND WOMEN: Starr Andrews, Amber Glenn MEN: Jimmy Ma PAIRS: Ellie Kam/Danny O’Shea ICE DANCE: Christina Carriera/Anthony Ponomarenko, Madison Chock/Evan Bates, Emilea Zingas/Vadym Kolesnik NHK TROPHY NOV. 24-26 | OSAKA, JAPAN WOMEN: Bradie Tennell, Lindsay Thorngren, Ava Ziegler MEN: Camden Pulkinen PAIRS: Emily Chan/Spencer Howe ICE DANCE: Emily Bratti/Ian Somerville, Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker

OCT. 27-29 | VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA WOMEN: Starr Andrews, Audrey Shin, Lindsay Thorngren MEN: Liam Kapeikis PAIRS: No entry ICE DANCE: Oona Brown/Gage Brown, Eva Pate/ Logan Bye, Emilea Zingas/Vadym Kolesnik GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE NOV. 3-5 | ANGERS, FRANCE WOMEN: Isabeau Levito MEN: Ilia Malinin, Camden Pulkinen PAIRS: Ellie Kam/Danny O’Shea, Valentina Plazas/ Maximiliano Fernandez ICE DANCE: Christina Carreira/Anthony Ponomarenko, Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker, Lorraine McNamara/ Anton Spiridonov

GRAND PRIX FINAL DEC. 7-10 | BEIJING, CHINA

CUP OF CHINA NOV. 10-12 | CHONGQING, CHINA WOMEN: Audrey Shin, Bradie Tennell

MEN: Lucas Broussard, Jimmy Ma PAIRS: Emily Chan/Spencer Howe, Maria Mokhova/Ivan Mokhov ICE DANCE: Emily Bratti/Ian Somerville, Caroline Green/Michael Parsons, Eva Pate/Logan Bye

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

figure skating series isu grand prix of This season marks the 29th year for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. The Series, launched in 1995, combines six prestigious, international figure skating competitions as a unified point-earning series that awards prize money to eligible figure skaters.

SKATER SELECTIONS One of the biggest misconceptions is that each country assigns its own skaters to the six Grand Prix events. Here, we’ve outlined the selection process, used for the first time in 2003. Essentially, there are three different classifications of skaters for the Grand Prix Series. All skaters and pairs/ice dance couples may compete in a maximum of two events. 1. Seeded Skaters/Couples: The top six finishers in each discipline from the most recent World Championships will be considered to be seeded and be assigned, by draw, to skate in two events. 2. Invited Skaters/Couples: Skaters or couples who have placed 7–12 in singles or 7–10 in pairs and ice dance at the 2023 World Championships are guaranteed to be selected for two Grand Prix events, provided that these skaters/couples fulfill the requirements of the minimum score. 3. Minimum Score: Each entrant to the Grand Prix events must meet the minimum total

score (SP/SD + FS/FD) to be included in the entry or the alternate list. For the 2023 Grand Prix season, the minimum scores are: Minimum total score: Women: 134.77 Men: 180.68 Pairs: 133.30 Ice Dance: 135.60 Skaters/couples who have scored at least the above-mentioned limit in an ISU championships, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating and Final (Junior or Senior) or ISU Challenger Series Competition between July 1, 2021 and June 27, 2022 are eligible for selection into the 2022 Grand Prix events or

Here is the breakdown of points awarded by place:

Men and Women 1st place: 15 points 3rd place: 11 points 5th place: 7 points 7th place: 4 points Pairs and Ice Dance 1st place: 15 points 3rd place: 11 points 5th place: 7 points

2nd place: 13 points 4th place: 9 points 6th place: 5 points 8th place: 3 points

2nd place: 13 points 4th place: 9 points 6th place: 5 points

PRIZE MONEY In addition to receiving points to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix Final, the top five place- winners in the Grand Prix Series events are awarded prize money. Prize money for all disciplines at Grand Prix Series events is (prize money is split between partners in pairs and dance): 1st: $18,000 4th: $3,000 2nd: $13,000 5th: $2,000 3rd: $9,000

in the alternate list. POINT SYSTEM

Points are awarded to the competitors at each of the six events based on final placement. At the conclusion of the six Grand Prix events, athletes’ points are totaled, and the top six point-earners in women, men, pairs and ice dance are invited to compete at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final (Dec. 7-10, Beijing).

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

‘I was lucky’ Olympian Ashley Cain reflects fondly on her career in Dallas

BY KAMA STIGALL As figure skaters progress in their amateur careers, many find themselves relocating away from their hometowns to train at the highest level. Ashley Cain, 2022 Olympian and two- time U.S. pairs champion, is an exception. Cain was able to remain in her hometown of Dallas throughout her competitive years. “Something that was really special to me was being able to train in the same city my whole ca- reer,” she said. “I started in skate school classes in the Dallas StarCenters and trained all the way to the Olympics in the same community. I was lucky to have the community follow and support me through my journey.” Within the city, there are many training options for skaters. The Dallas Stars, the NHL profession- al ice hockey team, have eight locations (known as the Children’s Health StarCenters) sprinkled throughout the metropolitan area. “The Dallas Stars have built rinks surrounding the metroplex that have added easier access to train in our sport,” Cain said. “All the rinks are equipped with resources needed to run strong skating programs. With the addition of the Aspire Academy, we can now fast track skaters into the figure skating programs, incorporating on- and off-ice training in a team atmosphere.” Though figure skating has surged in popular- ity in the Lone Star State in recent years, local skaters, including Cain, have remained closely connected. “Because Texas is a smaller skating community, we cross each other’s paths far more than in other big cities,” she said. “I feel like this brings a sense of familiarity and makes our community tighter knit.” That sense of community has been a key part of Cain’s success. “Throughout every aspect of my career, I have always felt like I was surrounded by the right people to help me grow and accomplish the goals I had within this sport,” she said. Unlike many high-level skaters, Cain had the same set of coaches throughout her amateur career — her parents, Darlene and Peter Cain. “I had the best coaches for me on the ice and off

the ice,” she said. “Because I had such a strong sense of stability coming from my team and my training environment, I was able to trust in the process and know that I was prepared for anything that came my way.” Cain, alongside her pairs partner Timothy LeDuc, stepped away from amateur skating in 2022. Since then, she has kept busy, coaching along- side of her parents and traveling the world as a professional skater. “When I stepped away from competitive skating, I knew that I still had so much joy for the sport,” she said. “I wanted to travel and still experience skating, but in a different way from all the years I committed to competing.” Cain joined the Disney on Ice tour after the 2021–22 competitive season. “I am touring with Disney on Ice, and my show is called 100 Years of Wonder,” Cain said. “So far, I have skated in front of audiences in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Egypt, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Colombia.” Cain’s parents, who toured with the Holiday on Ice, Ice Follies and Disney on Ice shows for almost 10 years, helped to spark an interest in professional skating. Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc compete at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, where they finished eighth.

“Going on tour was something I always wanted to do because I had heard so much about their experience and it was so exciting to me,” she said. Show skating has enriched Cain’s life in many ways, including making connections with other skaters. “Getting to experience a country through their culture, food and sites is so important to your growth as a person,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to meet up with many skating clubs and skaters from different countries and been a part of the cast that is bringing skating to certain countries for the first time in history.” Through her experiences as both an elite and professional skater, Cain realizes there is a place for everyone in figure skating. “There will always be different avenues to take within skating,” Cain said. “Broaden your horizon in the sport and take the path that feels right to you. Just because one door might be closing doesn’t mean that you have to step away from the sport — it can be part of your life in whatever capacity that you want it to be.” Cain has thoroughly enjoyed her skating career’s next chapter with Disney on Ice.

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

women

Amber Glenn

UNITED STATES 2023 World Team Trophy – 1st (team) 2023 World Championships – 12th 2023 Four Continents Championships – 7th 2023 U.S. Championships bronze medalist 2022 NHK Trophy – 11th 2022 Skate America bronze medalist

Born: Oct. 28, 1999 Birthplace: Plano, Texas Height: 5’5 Hometown: Plano, Texas

Training town: Colorado Springs, Colorado Coaches: Damon Allen, Tammy Gambill Choreographers: Kaitlyn Weaver, Randi Strong, Katherine Hill

Isabeau Levito

UNITED STATES 2023 Nebelhorn Trophy champion 2023 World Team Trophy – 1st (team) 2023 World Championships – 4th 2023 U.S. Championships champion 2022 Grand Prix Final silver medalist 2022 MK John Wilson Trophy silver medalist 2022 Skate America silver medalist

Born: March 3, 2007 Birthplace: Philadelphia Height: 5’0 Hometown: Mount Holly, New Jersey Training town: Mount Laurel, New Jersey Coaches: Yulia Kuznetsova, Otar Japaridze, Slava Kuznetsov, Zhanna Palagina Choreographer: Yulia Kuznetsova

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

Clare Seo

UNITED STATES 2023 World Junior Championships – 8th 2023 U.S. Championships – 7th 2022 World Junior Championships – 6th 2022 U.S. junior champion

Born: Oct. 17, 2006 Birthplace: Pamona, California Height: 5’0

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado Training town: Colorado Springs, Colorado Coach: Tammy Gambill Choreographers: Catarina Lindgren, Sonja Hilmer

Loena Hendrickx

BELGIUM 2023 World bronze medalist 2023 European silver medalist 2022-23 Belgian champion

Born: Nov. 5, 1999 Birthplace: Turnhout Height: 5’2 Hometown: Arendonk Training towns: Deurne; Tilburg, Liedekerke, Eindhoven, Netherlands Coach: Jorik Hendrickx Choreographer: Adam Solya

2022 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist 2022 Grand Prix Espoo silver medalist 2022 Grand Prix de France champion

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

women

Xiangyi An

CHINA

2023 World Junior Championships – 6th

Born: Dec. 24, 2006 Birthplace: Beijing Height: 5’4 Hometown: Beijing

Training town: Beijing Coaches: Longhe An, Benoit Richaud Choreographers: Yeaji-Shin, Benoit Richaud

Mone Chiba 2023 Four Continents bronze medalist 2023 Japanese junior silver medalist 2022 JGP Gdansk silver medalist

JAPAN

Born: May 1, 2005 Birthplace: Sendai Height: 5’1 Hometown: Kyoto

Training town: Kyoto Coaches: Mie Hamada, Satsuki Muramoto, Hiroaki Sato, Cathy Reed, Ghislain Briand Choreographers: Misha Ge, Akiko Suzuki

Mana Kawabe 2023 Japanese Championships – 9th 2023 Challenge Cup bronze medalist 2022 Grand Prix Espoo bronze medalist 2022 Grand Prix de France – 6th 2022 U.S. International Classic bronze medalist

JAPAN

Born: Oct. 31, 2004 Birthplace: Nagoya Height: 5’1 Hometown: Toyota, Aichi

Training town: Toyota, Aichi Coach: Mihoko Higuchi Choreographer: Mihoko Higuchi

Ekaterina Kurakova

POLAND

Born: June 24, 2002 Birthplace: Moscow Height: 5’0 Hometown: Torun

Training town: Milan, Italy; Toronto, Canada Coaches: Angelina Turenko, Brian Orser Choreographers: Ivan Righini, Benoit Richaud

2023 World Championships – 16th 2023 European Championships – 4th 2020-23 Polish champion 2022 Warsaw Cup champion 2022 MK Wilson Trophy – 5th 2022 Skate America – 5th

Niina Petrokina

ESTONIA

2023 World Championships – 9th 2023 European Championships – 6th 2022-23 Estonian champion 2023 World Junior Championships – 12th

Born: Aug. 14, 2004 Birthplace: Tallinn Height: 5’1 Hometown: Tallinn

Training town: Tallinn Coach: Svetlana Varnavskaja Choreographer: Mark Pillay

Seoyeong Wi 2023 Korean Championships – 9th 2022 NHK Trophy – 8th 2022 Nebelhorn Trophy silver medalist

KOREA

Born: March 15, 2005 Birthplace: Seoul Height: 5’4 Hometown: Hwaseong City

Training town: Seoul Coach: Hyungkyung Choi Choreographer: Yeaji Shin

Hana Yoshida

JAPAN

2023 Four Continents Championships – 8th 2023 Japanese Championships – 6th 2022 JGP Final – 6th 2022 JGP Egna-Neumarkt champion 2022 JGP Courchevel champion 2022 Egna Spring Trophy champion

Born: Aug. 21, 2005 Birthplace: Nagoya, Aichi Height: 5’0 Hometown: Uji, Kyoto

Training town: Uji Coaches: Mie Hamada, Hiroaki Sato, Satsuki Muramoto Choreographers: Lori Nichol, Kaitlyn Weaver

Young You

KOREA

2023 Challenge Cup – 6th 2022 Skate Canada International bronze medalist

Born: May 27, 2004 Birthplace: Seoul Height: 5’5 Hometown: Seoul

Training town: Colorado Springs, Colorado; Seoul Coach: Hyun Jung Chi Choreographers: Shae-Lynn Bourne, Tom Dickson

2022 MK John Wilson Trophy — 4th 2022 Olympic Winter Games - 6th 2022 World Championships - 5th

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

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Kaori Sakamoto (JPN)..................2022 Alexandra Trusova (RUS)..............2021 Mariah Bell (USA)..........................2020 Anna Shcherbakova (RUS)..........2019 Satoko Miyahara (JPN)..................2018 Satoko Miyahara (JPN)..................2017 Ashley Wagner (USA)...................2016 Evgenia Medvedeva (RUS)...........2015 Elena Radionova (RUS)................2014 Mao Asada (JPN).............................2013 Ashley Wagner (USA)....................2012 Alissa Czisny (USA)..........................2011 Kanako Murakami (JPN)...............2010 Yu-Na Kim (KOR)...........................2009 Yu-Na Kim (KOR)...........................2008 Kimmie Meissner (USA)...............2007 Miki Ando (JPN).............................2006 Elena Sokolova (RUS)..................2005 Angela Nikodinov (USA).............2004 Sasha Cohen (USA).......................2003 Michelle Kwan (USA)....................2002 Michelle Kwan (USA).....................2001 Michelle Kwan (USA)....................2000 Michelle Kwan (USA)......................1999 Maria Butyrskaya (RUS).................1998 Michelle Kwan (USA)......................1997 Michelle Kwan (USA)......................1996 Michelle Kwan (USA)......................1995 Surya Bonaly (FRA).......................1994 Oksana Baiul (UKR)........................1993 Yuka Sato (JPN)...............................1992 Tonya Harding (USA).......................1991 Kristi Yamaguchi (USA)................1990 Tonya Harding (USA)......................1989 Claudia Leistner (FRG)...................1988 Tiffany Chin (USA)..........................1986 Debi Thomas (USA)........................1985 Tiffany Chin (USA)..........................1983 Rosalynn Sumners (USA)..............1982 Vikki de Vries (USA)........................1981 Lisa-Marie Allen (USA)...................1979 PAST CHAMPIONS Note: Skate America competitions were not held in 1980, 1984 and 1987

Kaori Sakamoto kicked off the 2022–23 campaign with a victory at Skate America in Boston before claiming silver in her home country at the NHK Trophy. She posted a disappointing fifth place at the ISU Grand Prix Final, before rallying to defend her national title. Sakamoto, the 2022 Olympic bronze medalist, closed out the season by successfully defending her World title. Kaori Sakamoto JAPAN champion 2022 women’s

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

SCORING GUIDE & REQUIRED ELEMENTS SHORT PROGRAM | The short program consists of seven required elements: three jumps, three spins and one step sequence to music selected by the skater. DURATION: 2:40 (+/- 10 seconds) jump elements; one must be an Axel-type jump; only two triple jumps or one triple and one quad jump can be repeated, and, if repeated, at least one attempt must be part of a jump combination or jump sequence; there may be up to three jump combinations

camel or sit spin with a minimum of eight revolutions; the landing position of the flying spin must be different from the layback/ sideways leaning, camel or sit spin. STEPS: Any step sequence FREE SKATE | The well-balanced free skate includes a maximum number of elements but has no minimum. The skater should pay attention to interesting transitions, connecting steps and movements between elements. DURATION: 4:00 (+/- 10 SECONDS) JUMPS: Can include a maximum of seven

or sequences; no more than one jump combination or one jump sequence may consist of three jumps. SPINS: A maximum of three spins of a different nature, one of which must be a spin combination; one must have a flying entry; and one must have only one position. STEPS: A maximum of one step sequence; and a maximum of one choreographic sequence.

JUMPS: A double or triple Axel; a solo jump that must be a triple; a combination jump consisting of either a triple-triple or triple- double SPINS: A flying spin with a minimum of eight revolutions; a combination spin with only one change of foot, at least two different basic positions and a minimum of six revolutions on each foot; a layback/sideways leaning,

TOTAL ELEMENT SCORE (TECHNICAL)

TOTAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS SCORE

TOTAL SEGMENT SCORE

SEGMENT PLACE

SHORT PROGRAM & FREE SKATE

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

Loena Hendrickx, BEL Xiangyi An, CHN Niina Petrokina, EST Mone Chiba, JPN Mana Kawabe, JPN Hana Yoshida, JPN Seoyeong Wi, KOR Young You, KOR Ekaterina Kurakova, POL

Amber Glenn, USA Isabeau Levito, USA Clare Seo, USA

COMPILED SCORES & FINAL STANDING

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

TOTAL COMPETITION

FINAL PLACE

Loena Hendrickx, BEL Xiangyi An, CHN Niina Petrokina, EST Mone Chiba, JPN Mana Kawabe, JPN Hana Yoshida, JPN Seoyeong Wi, KOR Young You, KOR Ekaterina Kurakova, POL

Amber Glenn, USA Isabeau Levito, USA Clare Seo, USA

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

By becoming a member of the Friends of Figure Skating program, you’ll be joining a community dedicated to empowering our athletes in their pursuit of excellence. Your generous gift to the program not only supports their dreams but also offers you a range of exclusive benefits and experiences that will enhance your own figure skating fan journey. We have carefully listened to the interests and preferences of our loyal supporters and updated our benefits chart to ensure an even more enriching and rewarding membership experience. We can’t wait for ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR PASSION FOR FIGURE SKATING TO NEW HEIGHTS? We are thrilled to announce the 2023- 2024 Friends of Figure Skating program — a membership opportunity that offers incredible benefits while making a meaningful impact on our athletes’ lives.

FRIENDS OF FIGURE SKATING

U.S. FIGURE SKATING

Tax-deduction Quarterly newsletter BENEFITS

Advance event ticket purchase** 8 editions of Skating Magazine Membership card with level and gift (gift will vary by year) Official event programs and pins * Fast Pass for autograph sessions at events* (2) Tickets to FOFS breakfast at U.S. Championships Photo in the kiss and cry at applicable events* (2) VIP Hospitality Passes at U.S. Championships (2) Premium tickets to applicable events**

you to explore the new and improved benefits that await you as a member of our vibrant figure skating community.

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men

Ilia Malinin UNITED STATES 2023 World bronze medalist 2023 U.S. champion 2022 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist

Born: Dec 2, 2004 Birthplace: Fairfax, Virginia Height: 5’7

Hometown: Vienna, Virginia Training town: Reston, Virginia Coaches: Tatyana Malinina, Roman Skorniakov, Rafael Arutunian Choreographer: Shae-Lynn Bourne

2022 Grand Prix Espoo champion 2022 Skate America® champion 2022 U.S. silver medalist 2022 World Junior champion

Maxim Naumov UNITED STATES

Born: Aug. 1, 2001 Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut Height: 5’6

2023 Four Continents Championships – 10th 2023 U.S. Championships pewter medalist 2023 Eastern Sectional Singles Final champion 2022 Warsaw Cup – 5th 2022 Budapest Trophy – 5th

Hometown: Norwood, Massachusetts Training town: Norwood, Massachusetts Coaches: Garrett Lucash, Vadim Naumov, Evgenia Shishkova Choreographer: Adam Blake

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

Andrew Torgashev

UNITED STATES 2023 Lombardia Trophy bronze medalist 2023 World Championships – 21st 2023 Challenge Cup – 5th 2023 U.S. Championships bronze medalist 2023 Eastern Sectional Singles Final silver medalist

Born: May 29, 2001 Birthplace: Coral Springs, Florida Height: 5’7

Hometown: Lake Forest, Florida Training town: Irvine, California Coaches: Rafael Arutunian, Nadia Kanaeva, Vera Arutunian Choreographers: Shae-Lynn Bourne, Misha Ge

Kevin Aymoz

FRANCE 2023 World Championships – 4th 2023 European Championships – 4th 2023 French silver medalist 2022 Olympic Winter Games – 12th 2022 Grand Prix Espoo bronze medalist

Born: Aug. 1, 1997 Birthplace: Echirolles Height: 5’3 Hometown: Jarrie

Training towns: Ellenton, Florida; Grenoble Coaches: Silvia Fontana, John Zimmerman, Françoise Bonnard Choreographers: Brice Mousset, Kevin Aymoz

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

men

Nika Egadze 2023 World Championships – 29th 2023 European Championships – 7th 2022 NHK Trophy – 7th 2022 Grand Prix de France – 5th 2022 Denis Ten Memorial Challenge champion

GEORGIA

Born: April 2, 2002 Birthplace: Tbilisi Height: 5’11 Hometown: Tbilisi

Training town: Moscow Coaches: Eteri Tutberidze, Sergei Dudakov, Daniil Gleikhengauz Choreographers: : Eteri Tutberidze, Daniil Gleikhengauz

Stephen Gogolev

CANADA

2023 Four Continents Championships – 13th 2023 Canadian Championships – 4th 2022 NHK Trophy – 8th 2022 Skate Canada International 7th

Born: Dec. 22, 2004 Birthplace: Toronto Height: 6’0 Hometown: Toronto

Training town: Irvine, California Coaches: Rafael Arutunian, Lee Barkell Choreographers: Shae-Lynn Bourne, Benoit Richaud

Vladimir Litvintsev

AZERBAIJAN

2023 World Championships – 11th 2022 Denis Ten Memorial Challenge bronze medalist 2022 Olympic Winter Games – 18th 2022 World Championships – 16th

Born: Feb. 18, 2001 Birthplace: Ukhta Komi Republic, Russia Height: 5’5 Hometown: Moscow

Training town: Moscow Coach: Viktoria Butsaeva Choreographer: Galina Ishchenko

Andreas Nordeback

SWEDEN

2023 World Championships – 18th 2023 European Championships – 9th 2023 Swedish champion 2022 JGP Czech Skate bronze medalist 2022 JGP Egna-Neumarkt – 7th

Born: March 12, 2004 Birthplace: Stockholm, Solna Height: 5’9 Hometown: Stockholm

Training town: Stockholm Coach: Melanie Joseph Choreographers: Benoit Richaud, Julia Lazdinis, Christina Batian

Shun Sato

JAPAN

Born: Feb. 6, 2004 Birthplace: Sendai Height: 5’4 Hometown: Saitama

Training town: Saitama Coaches: Tadao Kusaka, Keiko Asano, Takahito Mura Choreographer: Kenji Miyamoto

Tatsuya Tsuboi 2023 Japanese Championships – 9th 2022 World Junior Championships bronze medalist 2023 Challenge Cup – 8th 2022 Grand Prix Espoo – 4th 2022 MK John Wilson Trophy – 5th 2023 Four Continents Championships bronze medalist 2023 Japanese Championships – 4th 2023 Challenge Cup champion 2022 Grand Prix Final – 4th 2022 Grand Prix Espoo silver medalist 2022 MK John Wilson Trophy bronze medalist

JAPAN

Born: Dec. 17, 2002 Birthplace: Okazaki, Aichi Height: 5’5 Hometown: Hyogo

Training town: Hyogo Coaches: Sonoko Nakano, Mitsuko Graham, Sei Kawahara Choreographers: Zachary Donohue, Massimo Scali

Deniss Vasiljevs

LATVIA

2023 World Championships – 13th 2023 European Championships – 5th 2022 Olympic Winter Games – 13th 2022 GP MK John Wilson Trophy silver medalist 2022 GP Skate Canada International – 10th

Born: Aug. 9, 1999 Birthplace: Daugavpils Height: 5’9 Hometown: Champery, Switzerland

Training town: Champery, Switzerland Coaches: Stéphane Lambiel, Angelo Dolfini, Giulia Isceri Choreographers: Shae-Lynn Bourne, Stéphane Lambiel

Nozomu Yoshioka

JAPAN

2023 World Junior bronze medalist 2023 Japanese junior champion 2022 JGP Final bronze medalist 2022 JGP Czech Skate champion 2022 JGP Solidarity Cup Gdansk – 5th

Born: Dec. 15, 2003 Birthplace: Osaka Height: 5’6 Hometown: Osaka

Training town: Osaka Coach: Utako Nagamitsu Choreographers: Lori Nichol, Kohei Yoshino

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

Ilia Malinin (USA)............................2022 Vincent Zhou (USA)........................2021 Nathan Chen (USA)......................2020 Nathan Chen (USA)........................2019 Nathan Chen (USA)........................2018 Nathan Chen (USA)........................2017 Shoma Uno (JPN)............................2016 Max Aaron (USA).............................2015 Tatsuki Machida (JPN)..................2014 Tatsuki Machida (JPN)...................2013 Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)..................2012 Michal Brezina (CZE).......................2011 Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)..............2010 Evan Lysacek (USA)......................2009 Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)................2008 Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)..............2007 Nobunari Oda (JPN).....................2006 Daisuke Takahashi (JPN).............2005 Brian Joubert (FRA).....................2004 Michael Weiss (USA)....................2003 Brian Joubert (FRA).....................2002 Timothy Goebel (USA)..................2001 Timothy Goebel (USA).................2000 Alexei Yagudin (RUS).....................1999 Alexei Yagudin (RUS).....................1998 Todd Eldredge (USA).....................1997 Todd Eldredge (USA).....................1996 Todd Eldredge (USA).....................1995 Todd Eldredge (USA).....................1994 Viktor Petrenko (UKR)...................1993 Todd Eldredge (USA).....................1992 Christopher Bowman (USA)..........1991 Viktor Petrenko (URS)...................1990 Christopher Bowman (USA).........1989 Christopher Bowman (USA).........1988 Brian Boitano (USA).......................1986 Josef Sabovcik (CZE).....................1985 Brian Boitano (USA).......................1983 Scott Hamilton (USA).....................1982 Scott Hamilton (USA)......................1981 Scott Hamilton (USA).....................1979 PAST CHAMPIONS Note: Skate America competitions were not held in 1980, 1984 and 1987

Ilia Malinin set the skating world on fire at the kickoff 2022 U.S. International Classic, where he landed the first-ever quad Axel in competition and won the event. His winning streak continued at Skate America (he landed a quad Axel there, too) and then at Grand Prix Espoo in Finland. At the Grand Prix Final, he secured the bronze medal. Malinin finished the second half of his season by breezing to the U.S. title in San Jose, California; he earned the bronze medal at the World Championships before helping Team USA post a dominant victory at World Team Trophy. Ilia Malinin UNITED STATES champion 2022 men’s

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

SCORING GUIDE & REQUIRED ELEMENTS SHORT PROGRAM | The short program consists of seven required elements: three jumps, three spins and one step sequence to music selected by the skater. DURATION: 2:40 (+/- 10 seconds) of foot, a minimum of six revolutions on each foot; the landing position of the flying spin must be different from the camel or sit spin. STEPS: Any step sequence FREE SKATE | The well-balanced

and one quad jump can be repeated, and, if repeated, at least one attempt must be part of a jump combination or jump sequence; there may be up to three jump combinations or sequences; no more than one jump combination or one jump sequence may consist of three jumps. SPINS: A maximum of three spins of a different nature, one of which must be a spin combination; one must have a flying entry; and one must have only one position STEPS: A maximum of one step sequence; and a maximum of one choreographic sequence.

free skate includes a maximum number of elements but has no minimum. The skater should pay attention to interesting transitions, connecting steps and movements between elements. DURATION: 4:00 (+/- 10 SECONDS) JUMPS: Can include a maximum of seven jump elements; one must be an Axel-type jump; only two triple jumps or one triple

JUMPS: A double or triple Axel; a solo jump that must be a triple or a quad; a combination jump consisting of either a quad-triple, triple- triple, quad-double or triple-double. SPINS: A flying spin with a minimum of eight revolutions; a combination spin with only one change of foot, at least two different basic positions and a minimum of six revolutions on each foot; camel or sit spin with one change

TOTAL ELEMENT SCORE (TECHNICAL)

TOTAL PROGRAM COMPONENTS SCORE

TOTAL SEGMENT SCORE

SEGMENT PLACE

SHORT PROGRAM & FREE SKATE

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

Vladimir Litvintsev, AZE Stephen Gogolev, CAN Kevin Aymoz, FRA Nika Egadze, GEO Shun Sato, JPN Tatsuya Tsuboi, JPN Nozomu Yoshioka, JPN Deniss Vasiljevs, LAT Andreas Nordeback, SWE Ilia Malinin, USA Maxim Naumov, USA Andrew Torgashev, USA COMPILED SCORES & FINAL STANDING Vladimir Litvintsev, AZE Stephen Gogolev, CAN Kevin Aymoz, FRA Nika Egadze, GEO Shun Sato, JPN Tatsuya Tsuboi, JPN Nozomu Yoshioka, JPN Deniss Vasiljevs, LAT Andreas Nordeback, SWE Ilia Malinin, USA Maxim Naumov, USA Andrew Torgashev, USA

SHORT PROGRAM

FREE SKATE

TOTAL COMPETITION

FINAL PLACE

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

BY KAMA STIGALL Texas is known for many things — the Cowboys, barbecue and rodeos, to name a few. In recent years, ice skating has become part of the fabric of the Lone Star State, due in part to the success of its Learn to Skate USA® programs. Learn to Skate USA® serves as an important introductory point for skaters of all ages. “Learn to Skate is the biggest onramp for all of our programs,” said Andy Gibson, who serves as the general manager of the Children’s Health StarCenter in Farmers Branch, Texas.

The NHL’s Dallas Stars, in partnership with Children’s Health, operate eight facilities in the Dallas metropolitan area. Being affiliated with strong local brands has helped to create additional awareness of the facilities’ Learn to Skate programs. “Being tied to a successful NHL franchise, it definitely gets people in the door,” Gibson said. “The Dallas Stars are a great marketing mechanism.” The team at the Farmers Branch facility has worked diligently over the past few years to not only

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

Coaches lead a Learn to Skate USA® class at Chaparral Ice in Austin, Texas.

Kathy Goeke is the program director consultant for Chaparral Ice, a facility located in Austin, Texas. Chaparral Ice’s Learn to Skate USA® program has exploded in popularity in recent years. “Our Learn to Skate program is the most profitable per hour activity for our facility,” Goeke said. “We had more than 3,100 class registrations in 2022 and our first two sessions this year have averaged 500 per session. The 2021–22 Learn to Skate USA® membership year was our largest ever, with 1,649 members registered.” The culture of Austin — active, highly community- driven and inclusive — has helped to enable the success of the rink’s Learn to Skate USA® program as well. “Our program has given patrons in the Austin area the opportunity to experience a sport that is unfamiliar to most in central Texas,” Goeke said. “We have intentionally created an environment where skaters from all demographic backgrounds know they are welcome. Also, we have tried to incorporate pricing structures that make skating accessible for everyone.” Adult participation in figure skating continues to grow at a rapid pace. Whether they are new to the sport or returning after a long absence, many adults see enrolling in a local Learn to Skate USA® program as a logical first step. A community such as Austin is a perfect match for adults looking to try new sports and activities. “Austin’s large active adult community is unique and is an advantage for our program not shared by most areas,” Goeke said. “Our adult Learn to Skate participation matches the Austin vibe.” The number of adults enrolled in Chaparral Ice’s Learn to Skate USA® program continues to grow. “For our January 2023 session for adults, we had 141 student adult registrations, 41 of whom were registered in advanced classes including free skate 1-6, the adult pre-bronze/bronze workshop, adult Aspire, ice dancing, power skating and edge class,” Goeke said. The Children’s Health StarCenter Farmers Branch also has a large adult figure skater population. “We (Farmers Branch) probably have one of the highest rates of adult participation of all of the eight StarCenter facilities,” Gibson said. “It’s about meeting the skater at the current level and

growing them from there.” While the Children’s Health StarCenter Euless does have adults who participate in the facility’s Learn to Skate USA® program, adults are not currently part of Team Euless Aspire Academy. However, it is being considered for the future. “We have quite a few adults who are starting to skate,” Skierski said. “Having a program tailored to adults would give them the opportunity to advance in skating, as well as develop bonds with each other.” No matter a skater’s age or level, it is important they feel included and part of their local skating community. “We are proud of the team environment we have created here,” Cain said. “There is a huge camaraderie among the kids in Team Euless Aspire Academy. We believe there is a place for everyone who is interested in skating. They can find a space for themselves in the sport, a place where they can excel.” Goeke hopes to expand Chaparral Ice’s current offerings to be even more inclusive. “We would love to get back to focusing on underserved communities now that the effects of the pandemic have eased,” Goeke said. “Starting an adaptive skating program is something we are considering. We used to have a wonderful Special Olympics program, and it would be great to work with that population of skaters again.” Maintaining a strong, ongoing connection to the sport is top of mind for Gibson. “Our biggest goal with Learn to Skate is to keep our skaters coming back to the rink and nurturing the love they have for the sport,” Gibson said. “We need to make sure people have a well-rounded understanding of how they can be involved, and continue to be involved, with skating.” To learn more about the programs featured in this article, visit: Children’s Health StarCenter Team Euless Aspire Academy: www.nhl.com/stars/starcenters/euless and Instagram: @dallasstars, @teameuless and @childrenshealthstarcenter Chaparral Ice: www.chaparralice.com and Facebook/Instagram: @chaparralice Children’s Health StarCenter Farmers Branch: www.nhl.com/stars/

grow their Learn to Skate USA® program, but to improve their overall retention numbers as well. “We have seen a 33% increase in unique participants from the 2021–22 season to now,” Gibson said. “We have also seen a 22% increase in retention this season.” Located west of the Farmers Branch facility is the Children’s Health StarCenter Euless. Darlene Cain serves as the Aspire team coordinator for the Euless location. Promising skaters who participate in the Learn to Skate USA® program are invited to join the Team Euless Aspire Academy. There are many opportunities for skaters of all levels to participate, Cain said. “There’s a place and a path for everyone to go,” Cain said. “It is not always about high-level skating. Our success as coaches is determined by how many of our skaters still love the sport when they leave.” Many skaters are seeking ways to connect with others who enjoy the sport, and being part of a team allows them to develop those friendships. “Figure skating is, for the most part, an individual sport,” said Whitney Skierski, assistant general manager of the Children’s Health StarCenter Euless. “However, the Team Euless Aspire Academy helps them to have that team experience, as well as build skills that come with being part of a team.” Olympic coach Darlene Cain directs the burgeoning Team Euless Aspire Academy.

starcenters/farmers-branch and Instagram: @dallasstars and @childrenshealthstarcenter

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

pairs

Valentina Plazas & Maximiliano Fernandez

UNITED STATES 2023 U.S. Championships – 5th 2023 Four Continents Championships – 5th 2022 Skate Canada International – 5th

PLAZAS Born: April 18, 2000 Birthplace: Bogota, Columbia Height: 5’3 Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida

2022 Skate America – 6th 2022 Finlandia Trophy – 5th

FERNANDEZ Born: Sept. 29, 1995 Birthplace: Hialeah, Florida Height: 5’10 Hometown: Miami

Training town: Canton, Michigan Coaches: Jim Peterson, Amanda Evora Will, Lisa Kirby Choreographers: Jim Peterson, Amanda Evora Will

Chelsea Liu & Balazs Nagy

2023 Autumn Classic – 4th

LIU Born: Dec. 31, 1999 Birthplace: Marshall, Missouri Height: 5’2 Hometown: Irvine, California NAGY Born: July 9, 1998 Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary Height: 5’11 Hometown: Budapest, Hungary

UNITED STATES Training town: Irvine, California Coaches: Jenni Meno, Christine Fowler-Binder, Brandon Frazier, Andrew Evans Choreographers: Christine Fowler-

Binder, Adam Rippon, Pasquale Camerlengo

2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX

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