Colorado Springs, Colo. (July , 2008) – The International Skating Union (ISU) has announced the selection of U.S. Figure Skating as the host federation for the 2010 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships. The event will take place in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 9-10, 2010, at the Colorado Springs World Arena.
“We are delighted that the U.S. has once again been chosen to host the World Synchronized Skating Championships,” Ron Hershberger, president of U.S. Figure Skating said. “Colorado Springs has a rich figure skating history and we look forward to including this World Championship as part of that story.”
The United States last hosted the World Synchronized Skating Championships in 2000 in Minneapolis, Minn., the inaugural year of the competition. Colorado Springs has been the backdrop to numerous international skating events over the years, including the Four Continents Championships from 2006-07, the 2004 ISU Grand Prix Final and Skate America from 1999-2001. The World Arena also served as the host venue for the 2001 and 2007 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. The historic Broadmoor World Arena was the site for five World Championships, two World Junior Championships and six U.S. Championships. Capacity of the World Arena is approximately 7,500.
The World Synchronized Skating Championships will include approximately 22 teams from 17 nations bringing over 1,000 athletes, officials, coaches and supporters to Colorado Springs during the event. The Rockettes of Finland captured last season’s title, earning their first World crown. Five-time World champion Team Surprise of Sweden finished second, while Nexxice of Canada took third. The Haydenettes (Lexington, Mass.), who captured their 17th U.S. title last season, came in fifth. The Miami University synchronized skating team won silver at the 2007 World Championships, the best finish ever by a U.S. team.
Synchronized skating is a growing discipline of figure skating characterized by speed, accuracy, intricate formations and breathtaking transitions performed by teams of 8-20 athletes. Thousands of athletes annually compete in U.S. qualifying competitions, culminating in the top two senior-level teams being selected to represent the United States at the World Synchronized Skating Championships.
