US Skaters Qualify for Gran Prix Final in The Republic of Korea
Colorado Springs, Colo. (December 2, 2008) – Six U.S. skaters have earned coveted spots at the International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final to be held Dec. 10-14 in Goyang City, Republic of Korea. Johnny Weir and Jeremy Abbott will represent the United States in the men’s event, while the ice dancing teams of Meryl Davis and Charlie White, and Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto will also make the trip to Goyang City.
Skaters were invited to the final based on point totals earned throughout the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. The United States won 18 medals at the six qualifying events: two golds, nine silvers and seven bronzes. The United States’ four entries in the Grand Prix Final tie it for the most with Japan and Russia.
ICE DANCING Reigning U.S. and Four Continents silver medalists Davis and White are the top-ranked American ice dancing team heading into the Grand Prix Final. Davis and White won gold at Skate Canada and bronze at the Cup of Russia. This will be the first Grand Prix Final appearance for the duo. Rounding out Team USA are 2006 Olympic silver medalists Belbin and Agosto, who brought home silver medals from Skate America and the Cup of China. This marks the fifth time they have earned a berth in the Grand Prix Final. Seven U.S. skaters will serve as alternates. They include Rachael Flatt (second alternate) and Alissa Czisny (third alternate) in ladies; Evan Lysacek (second alternate) in men’s; and Keauna McLaughlin and Rockne Brubaker (first alternate), and Rena Inoue and John Baldwin (third alternate) in pairs.
JUNIOR GRAND PRIX FINAL U.S. ice dancing team Piper Gilles and Zach Donohue announced their withdrawal from the International Skating Union Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, to be held in conjunction with the Grand Prix Final, because of an injury she suffered to her lower body
