SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – Rising star Bradie Tennell’s near-perfect free skate Friday night earned her a national title and almost certainly a spot on the U.S. team for next month’s Olympics.
Tennell was spotless in the short program two days ago, then as the final skater in the long program she didn’t miss a trick under tremendous pressure. Her top competitors, Mirai Nagasu and Karen Chen, already had put down superb routines.
Nagasu capped a sensationally sweet comeback with a flowing performance to finish second, virtually assuring a spot in next month’s Olympics – a berth she was denied four years ago by the selection committee.
Mirai Nagasu reacts after her performance during the women’s free skate event at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, Calif., Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Chen, the defending champion, was third.
The three women headed to the Pyeongchang Games will be announced Saturday.
___
More AP Olympic coverage: https://wintergames.ap.org
Mirai Nagasu performs during the women’s free skate event at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, Calif., Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Mirai Nagasu, center, reacts to scores with her coaches during the women’s free skate event at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, Calif., Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Ashley Wagner reacts after performing during the women’s free skate event at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, Calif., Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.