Loena Hendrickx celebrates gold in the Women's event at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU
Two-time ISU World medalist Loena Hendrickx of Belgium reigned supreme in the Women’s event at Skate America, claiming the second ISU Grand Prix title of her career as the competition wrapped up in Allen, Texas (USA) Sunday. Isabeau Levito (USA) took silver, with Estonia’s Niina Petrokina winning bronze after moving up from fourth place, the first ISU Grand Prix medal for her country.
Victory at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA, is Hendrickx's second ISU Grand Prix gold © ISU
Overnight leader Hendrickx skated last and put out a confident performance to “Break My Soul” – The Queens Remix – and she was the queen of the night. The two-time World medalist produced five clean triples, only triple toe in a combination was slightly underrotated. Hendrickx picked up a level four for her spins and footwork and earned 145.36 for the Free Skating, almost equaling her personal best. Overall she accumulated 221.28 points to win the second ISU Grand Prix gold of her career.
Hendrickx took gold at Skate America 2023 with an overall total of 221.28 in Allen, USA © ISU
“Of course it means a lot for me,” the 2023 European silver medalist commented. “I had a tough preparation coming into this event. I just wanted to enjoy and I did.
"To perform like this was just an amazing feeling and also to get a gold medal. It's just crazy. I decided to start my preparation a bit later because the main focus is Europeans for me this year. And I just wanted to compete at the Grand Prix to feel the competitions, but I went to this competition with no expectations.”
Levito’s balletic performance to “Nureyev” from the “White Crow” soundtrack was highlighted by five clean triple jumps and two level-four spins. The 2022 ISU Grand Prix Final silver medalist achieved a seasons best with 138.08 points and totaled 208.15 points.
Isabeau Levito added another ISU Grand Prix silver to her collection at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU
“I feel pretty happy with my performance today. It's wonderful to compete in my programs in front of a home crowd, and I love seeing them,” the 2022 ISU World Junior Champion told the press.
“I’m excited to go back and work and see some progress in my programs that I will compete in my next Grand Prix in France.”
Petrokina turned in a powerful performance to “Age of Heroes”, landing a triple Lutz-Euler-triple Salchow combination as well as three more clean triple jumps. The Estonian Champion posted a new personal best score of 129.53 points. She was ranked fourth in the Free Skating but moved up to third overall with 194.55 points.
Niina Petrokina's bronze at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA, is Estonia's first ISU Grand Prix medal © ISU
“I am so proud because this is the first Grand Prix medal for Estonia,” Petrokina shared. “During my program I tried to focus fully on my elements as I felt some tiredness in my body. But I kept telling myself that everything is fine.
"I never expected to come third. I realized it while I was in the mixed zone giving an interview and my legs were shaky and tears came to my eyes.”
Hana Yoshida (JPN) climbed from ninth to fourth overall with a strong skate. She went for a triple Axel, but stepped out of the landing (190.98 points). Amber Glenn (USA) slipped from second to fifth. She landed a big triple Axel but later fell on two jumps (189.63 points). 2023 ISU Four Continents silver medalist Mone Chiba (JPN) finished sixth on her senior ISU Grand Prix debut (177.79 points).
With her 15 points for her victory, Hendrickx has good chances to qualify for the Final at her next event, the Cup of China. Levito (13 points) wants to book her ticket for the Final at the Internationaux de France in Angers. Petrokina (11 points) will compete again in China.
ISU Grand Prix Standings
For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit here.
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series consists of six events: Skate America, Skate Canada International, Grand Prix de France, Cup of China, the Grand Prix Espoo (FIN) and NHK Trophy (JPN). Skaters collect points towards to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN).
The General Announcement of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series is available here on the ISU website. The individual announcements are published on the ISU Event section under each dedicated Grand Prix event (filter with the relevant Event Series).
All Media Accreditation details and deadlines for the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series can be found here.
Where to Watch
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be live streamed on the official ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating YouTube Channel in most countries. Find out Where to watch the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions.
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ISU Grand Prix Schedule
The schedules of each ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events are available below:
20 - 22 Oct, 2023 Skate America, Allen, Texas (USA)
27 – 29 Oct, 2023 Skate Canada International, Vancouver (CAN)
3 - 5 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix de France, Angers (FRA)
10 - 12 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Cup of China, Chongqing (CHN)
17 - 19 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Espoo, Espoo (FIN)
24 - 26 Nov, 2023 NHK Trophy, Osaka (JPN)
7 - 10 Dec, 2023 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Beijing (CHN)
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known as the ISU Champions Series) and consists of six invitational international senior events and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. The top six of the past World Championships are seeded. Competitors collect points in their events towards the qualification for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Only the top six Skaters / Couples in each discipline qualify for the Final.
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