Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
On the inaugural day of the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Beijing, American ice dancers Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik clinched the top spot in the rhythm dance category, achieving a score of 79.97 points. This impressive performance positioned them ahead of fellow Americans Caroline Parsons and Michael Brown, who finished with 78.66 points, while siblings Oona Brown and Gage Brown secured third place with 74.24 points.
The event represents a crucial opportunity for Zingas and Kolesnik as they gear up for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, scheduled to commence in under two weeks. Typically, many skaters defer participation in the Four Continents during an Olympic year, but the duo aims to fine-tune their routines on the international stage.
U.S. Figure Skating Team Dynamics
In terms of the U.S. Figure Skating team, Parsons and Green, who are first alternates, as well as the Brown siblings, who rank as third alternates, are closely monitoring the competition, vying for one of the coveted spots in Italy.
Additionally, the reigning U.S. pairs champions, Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, found themselves in third place following the short program, having scored 71.85 points. The pair’s aspirations were slightly hindered as Efimova awaited her American citizenship—which unfortunately did not finalize in time for her to participate in Milan. Under Olympic regulations, athletes must compete for the country of which they hold citizenship.
Pairs and Women’s Short Program Highlights
In the pairs section, the Chinese duo Sui Wenjing and Han Cong, Olympic gold medalists from the last Games, spearheaded the rankings after their short program, earning 76.02 points, while Japan’s Yuna Nagaoka and Sumitada Moriguchi trailed with a score of 71.95 points.
In the women’s short program, Japan showcased their prowess with Ami Nakai, Yuna Aoki, and Mone Chiba capturing the top three positions. Nakai led the way with a score of 73.83, followed by Aoki at 71.41 and Chiba at 68.07. The Japanese team is anticipated to pose significant competition for the formidable American contingent, which includes Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito—none of whom are participating in the Four Continents.
For the Americans, Sarah Everhardt stood as the top performer in fifth place, with Bradie Tennell and Starr Andrews following closely in seventh and eighth, respectively.
Upcoming Events
The competition will progress with the free dance and women’s free skate on Friday, while Saturday will feature the men’s short program and pairs free skate. The event will culminate on Sunday with the men’s free skate competitors taking to the ice.
