Kim (KOR) Makes Home Crowd Proud With First ISU Four Continents Title In Seoul

Kim Shines with Gold on Home Ice

Chaeyeon Kim of South Korea delivered a stunning performance in front of her adoring home crowd to capture her first ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships title. Kim’s composed and elegant free skate, set to “Whisperers from the Heart” and “Love Dance,” featured seven flawless triple jumps and intricate spins, earning her a personal best of 148.36 points and a total score of 222.38. This victory marked her as the third Korean woman to win the prestigious title, following in the footsteps of legends Yuna Kim and Haein Lee. Overcoming pre-performance nerves and a brief illness, Kim expressed her gratitude to her mother, who crafted her winning golden costume, and now looks forward to carrying her momentum into the upcoming ISU World Championships in Boston.

Tennell’s Emotional Return to the Podium

Bradie Tennell of the United States experienced a poignant full-circle moment, returning to the podium five years after her bronze medal win in Seoul. After facing significant challenges due to injury, Tennell’s emotional performance to “Nessun Dorma” showcased her resilience and skill. Her routine, highlighted by six clean triple jumps, earned her a season’s best of 137.80 points, propelling her from fifth to second place with a total score of 204.38. Tennell expressed immense satisfaction and joy, reflecting on the arduous journey back to competitive form and the significance of returning to the same venue where she had previously found success.

Everhardt’s Impressive Championship Debut

American newcomer Sarah Everhardt made a remarkable debut at the ISU Four Continents Championships, securing the bronze medal. The 18-year-old continued her breakthrough season with an excellent performance to “The Firebird,” featuring five clean triple jumps and earning 132.67 points for a total of 200.03. Everhardt’s confident and composed skating demonstrated her potential, and she expressed excitement about learning from the event and improving her skills. Looking ahead, she aims to work on new elements, including the triple Axel and quad toe, and enhance her component scores to become even more competitive.

Notable Performances and Surprises

The competition also saw notable performances from other skaters. Alysa Liu of the United States, returning from a break, placed fourth with 198.55 points. Wakaba Higuchi of Japan climbed from seventh to fifth place with 195.16 points. Meanwhile, defending champion Mone Chiba of Japan, who competed despite illness, dropped to sixth place. The absence of a Japanese woman on the podium marked a significant change, breaking a streak that had lasted since 2007. The championship showcased the diverse talent and resilience of figure skaters from across the four continents, setting the stage for the upcoming World Championships.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer