US Figure Skating Championship 2013: Complete Guide to Winter Event
The 2013 U.S. Figure Skating Championship is underway from Nebraska and has seen a multitude of talent from juniors all the way up to seniors.
From 12-year-old Vincent Zhou earning gold in juniors to pair Madeline Aaron and Max Settlage rising to the top in juniors, we've seen some elegant skating and great competition in Omaha so far this year.
With four days of action remaining—including intermediate free skate for both men and women—let's take a look at what's to come at the 2013 U.S. Figure Skating Championship.
Where: CenturyLink Center, Omaha, NE
When: Sunday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 27
Watch: NBC/NBC Sports
The U.S. Figure Skating's Twitter account tweeted out this picture of Ashley Wagner and Adam Rippon at the Figure Skating Championship, which shows the camaraderie between all U.S. athletes:
"Look who's in the crowd for the junior men's free skate @ashwagner2010 @adaripp #Omaha2013 twitter.com/USFigureSkatin…
— U.S. Figure Skating (@USFigureSkating) January 23, 2013"
Jeremy Abbott exudes excitement over competing in Nebraska in 2013 via his Twitter account:
"Can't wait to be in #Omaha2013 and get going! The US Championships is my favorite competition of the year! @usfigureskating
— Jeremy Abbott (@jeremyabbottpcf) January 23, 2013"
What You Missed (via Ice Network)
Jan. 20: Novice pattern dance, Novice ladies and men's short program, Novice pairs short program and Junior men's short program
Jan. 21: Novice free dance, Novice ladies and men's free skate, Novice pairs free skate and Junior ladies short program
Jan. 22: Junior pairs short program, Junior short dance and Junior men's free skate
Jan. 23: Junior free dance, Junior pairs free skate and Junior ladies free skate
What's Next (via Ice Network)
Jan. 24: Senior pairs short program and Senior ladies short program
Jan. 25: Juvenile pattern dance, Intermediate ladies and men's short program, Juvenile pairs free skate, Intermediate pairs free skate, Intermediate pattern dance, Senior short dance and Senior men's short program
Jan. 26: Juvenile boys and girls free skate, Senior pairs free skate, Senior free dance and Senior ladies free skate
Jan. 27: Intermediate ladies and men's free skate, Juvenile free dance, Intermediate free dance and Senior men's free skate
What to Watch For:
Ashley Wagner's Pursuit of Gold
If 21-year-old Ashley Wagner is able to accomplish gold in 2013, she'll be the first U.S. skater to repeat as champion since Michelle Kwan, according to Melissa Isaacson of ESPN.
Ranked as the No. 3 female skater in the world by Ice Network, Wagner is a heavy favorite at Nationals following a first-place finish in 2012.
Can Jeremy Abbott Make it Four?
With Johnny Weir and Evan Lysacek missing the competition (h/t ESPN), three-time champ Jeremy Abbott becomes the immediate front-runner to win gold on the men's side.
The 27-year-old won the event in 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2011-12 and has largely dominated the men's competition over the past five years.
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