U.S. Figure Skating Makes Strong Showing at Junior Grand Prix Final

Jacob Sanchez © Instagram / isufigureskating

Five Debutants Among Seven U.S. Qualifiers for December Event

Seven American skaters have secured their spots at the upcoming ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, taking place December 5th-8th in Grenoble, France. This strong showing represents Team USA in three out of the four disciplines, with an impressive five skaters making their Junior Grand Prix Final debut.

Leading the charge is Jacob Sanchez, the top qualifier in the men’s category. The 2024 World Junior Team member dominated both his Junior Grand Prix events this season, achieving the sole gold medal sweep among the men. Sanchez capped off his season with personal bests in all three programs (short, free, and total) at his second JGP in Slovenia.

Olivia Flores and Luke Wang return to the Junior Grand Prix Final for the second consecutive year in the pairs competition. The 2024 World Junior silver medalists have maintained a consistent podium presence throughout 2024, including a silver and bronze at their two JGP events this season.

Team USA boasts two ice dance teams for the second year running, and both will be experiencing the Junior Grand Prix Final for the first time. Katarina Wolfkostin and Dimitry Tsarevski, skating together for their second season, secured gold and silver medals at JGP Czech Republic and JGP Poland, respectively. Meanwhile, Elliana Peal and Ethan Peal climbed from a bronze at their first JGP to a gold medal at the final event in China, securing their place with personal bests in all performances.

Qualification for the Junior Grand Prix Final is based on performance throughout the ISU Junior Grand Prix series. Each skater or team competes in two JGP events, earning points towards the final. The top six point-earners in each discipline qualify for the prestigious event.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer