21 teams from 16 Members participated in the 12th ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships. For the second year running, Team Finland 1 and Team Finland 2 took gold and silver respectively with Team USA 1 grabbing the bronze.
The teams skated in an arena full of spectators creating a unique and friendly atmosphere. The reigning world champions, Team Finland 1 got off to a good start in their home country after having skated a powerful performance in their Carnival of Brazil Short Program and earning the highest points of 74.81. Team Finland 2 flawlessly performed to “Be Italian” and scored 73.54 points just 1.27 behind the leaders.
Team USA 1 presented a rhythmic and playful Short Program to the music of “Twilight” and was awarded 71.16 points earning themselves the third place. Team Canada 1’s classical Short Program, with music from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Astor Piazzolla, was executed smoothly and they placed fourth with 70.77 points. Team Sweden 1 skated powerfully to “Apologize” by One Republic earning themselves the fifth place with 68.14 points.
The top five teams in the short program all skated one of their best skates of the season making the points close and the competition wide open with a span of just over four points between the number 1 and number 4.
Team Finland 1 skated a strong free skating program, and despite a fall which led to a deduction, they received the highest score for their interpretation to “Heaven or Hell” with a total of 215.43 points. Team Finland 2 gave a good run for Finland 1’s money with their performance to “The Pirate Queen”. They also got a deduction for a late start and received a total score of 213.48. Later at the press conference both teams agreed that the cheers from their home crowd helped them with their performance.
Although Team Sweden 1 made some minor mistakes in the circle element and movement in isolation they placed third in the Free Program with their Circus themed performance. However the total score of 204.50 was not enough to make the podium. Team USA 1 skated an entertaining Free Program to “Welcome to Burlesque” and finished fourth. However with their strong Short Program and a total score of 205.40 they finished as bronze medallists. The Team leader told the press “we are very happy to get a medal here in Finland, the home country of our coach Saga Krantz. It makes these championships very special for the Team”.
The 2009 World Champions, Team Canada 1, presented a graceful Free Skating Program to “Dolencias Sikuriadas” by Incantation and placed fifth with a total score of 202.60 points.
The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2012 will be hosted in Goteborg, Sweden.
Results
