This week some of the best skaters from all over the world are gathered in London, Canada to compete for the title of World Figure Skating Champion. This year’s competition is a thrilling one as the Olympics are only one year away and this competition decides how many spots will be given to the US Olympic Figure Skating Team. The pressure is on for these athletes as they reveal to the world if they are a force to be reckoned with.
For new fans of figure skating now is the time to jump on board and pick a favorite skater as an Olympic year approaches For those who are already fans of the sport it is a great time to cheer on your favorite skater and hope that they do well under the pressure of international competition.
Among the ladies competing for a spot on team USA, there is Ashley Wagner, a fierce competitor who just missed the podium at last year’s World Championships. Wagner will be joined by Gracie Gold, who is eager and ambitious, yet untested, an exciting combination for sure.
For the men’s lineup, there is newly crowned US Champion, Max Aaron, who surprised fans with an outstanding performance at the US Nationals. Aaron has little experience on the international level, which will make it interesting to see how he handles himself on the world stage. Joining Aaron is Ross Miner, who placed 11th in his last appearance at the World Championships in 2011.
The US pairs teams consist of Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir, and Alexa Scimeca and Chris Knierim. Sadly, Caydee Denny and John Coughlin withdrew as they have been recovering from an injury. Though it has been a long while since a US pairs team has even made the podium, anything can happen in the world of figure skating, so it's possible that one of these teams will rise to the occasion.
Finally, in ice dancing, there are three teams representing the United States: Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Meryl Davis and Charlie White, and Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani. Davis and White took the silver medal at last year’s World Championships and this year they are hungry for the gold.
The World Championships are from March 13-17, check your local listings to watch this compelling competition unfold.
Comments