#WorldJFigure #FigureSkating
Avonley Nguyen/Vadym Kolesnik (USA) came from behind to snatch the Ice Dance title in what was a close and exciting competition at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Tallinn (EST) on Saturday. Georgia’s Maria Kazakova/Georgy Reviya made history to win the first ISU Championship medal in Ice Dance for their country. Rhythm Dance leaders Elizaveta Shanaeva/Devid Naryzhnyy of Russia had to settle for the bronze.
Nguyen/Kolesnik delivered an emotional and smooth dance to Sergei Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, executing difficult twizzles, steps and lifts. The ISU Junior Grand Prix Final silver medalists earned a level four for their lifts, the combination spin, circular step sequence and twizzles to post a personal best score of 108.91 points. The National Junior Champions totaled 177.18 points to come from third place to take the title.
Avonley Nguyen/Vadym Kolesnik (USA) | 2020 © International Skating Union (ISU)
“It [the result from the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final] really motivated and pushed us, because all our competitors are very strong. But we just kept working and it just feels amazing right now,” Nguyen shared. “I've dreamed about this moment for so long and to know that our work finally paid off it just feels great. We're so happy, we're elated, we're just overjoyed,” she continued.
“Honestly, it's the biggest moment of my life happening right now,” Kolesnik said.
Maria Kazakova, Georgy Reviya (GEO) | 2020 © International Skating Union (ISU)
Kazakova/Reviya’s passionate and powerful performance to “In the End” was highlighted by innovative lifts, transitions and intricate footwork. The ISU Junior Grand Prix Final Champions collected a level four for their twizzles and the combination lift. However, the combination spin was rated a level two. The team scored 106.21 points and accumulated 176.19 points to remain in second place. Kazakova/Reviya competed in their third World Junior Championships as a team and had placed 9th in 2018 and 6th in 2019.
“We skated well, we're basically pleased. We did everything that depends on us. The most important thing is that people enjoyed how we skated. We gave it our all, the audience was very supportive, a big thank you to the spectators who came to watch. We'll move on, the most important things are still to come,” Reviya told the post event press conference.
Elizaveta Shanaeva, Devid Naryzhnyy (RUS) 2020 © International Skating Union (ISU)
Shanaeva/Naryzhny delivered a strong performance to “River” by Bishop Briggs, earning a level four for three elements to score 105.14 points. With 175.17 points total, they slipped from first to third.
“We really liked it here, it was an incredible experience for us. We are newcomers, it is our first season at this high level, therefore everything is new to us. Not everything worked out perfectly, but we've tried our best,” Naryzhnyy commented.
2018 World Junior bronze medalists, Arina Ushakova/Maxim Nekrasov (RUS) came fourth with 169.18 points followed by Diana Davis/Gleb Smolkin (RUS) on 165.22 points. Loicia Demougeot/Theo Le Mercier (FRA) placed sixth on 162.52 points.
Viewers can watch either via their national broadcaster / channel and for countries where there are no broadcasters, the ISU will offer a live stream on the Skating ISU YouTube Channel. You will find the full list in the Where to Watch news here.
Subscribe to the ISU Newsletter or Press Releases to receive the latest information and the “Where to Watch” news. You can also subscribe to the Skating ISU YouTube Channel to receive notifications when live streams start or new videos are published.
Highlights, clips, interviews, behind the scenes:
YouTube: SkatingISU
Facebook: @ISU Figure Skating
Twitter: @ISU_Figure
For more information, full entry lists and results please see the ISU website and the official website. Follow the event on social media using the hashtags #WorldJFigure and #FigureSkating.