LAS VEGAS (AP) — Staunchly determined to get back her national title, Bradie Tennell took some huge steps at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships by winning the short program with an event record 79.40 points.
"I was proud greatly. It was from one side, tears of pride and happiness. From another side, I regretted greatly we can't see our flag," said Natalia Kim, who lives in South Korea.
"This was an incredible ice-dance event," Maia Shibutani said, of a competition marked by high scores and high drama — and an electric program by Canadian legends Tess Virtue and Scott Moir.
Gabriella Papadakis left the rink on the verge of tears after her costume came undone and her breast was briefly exposed. But the dancer and her partner still have a shot at the gold.
Ryom Tae Ok and Kim Ju Sik were the only athletes from the isolated autocratic nation who formally qualified for the Olympics. On Wednesday, they finished among the top 12 pairs in the short program.
