Sports

Gracie Gold, Member of Figure Skating Club in Crystal Lake, Wins U.S. Nationals

Gracie Gold, 18, won the U.S. National Women's Figure Skating Championships held in Boston, Mass. on Saturday night.

Figure skater Gracie Gold won the U.S. National Women's Figure Skating Championship - taking home the gold - on Saturday, Jan. 11, in Boston, Mass.

The 18-year-old is a member of the Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club based at the Crystal Ice House in Crystal Lake.

The teen was born in Newton, Mass., grew up in Springfield, Mo. and moved with her family to Springfield, Ill. Until this past August, she was training with coach Alex Ouriashev in the Chicago area, according to her wiki bio. 

Gold switched coaches in August, and now trains with legendary skating coach Frank Caroll, who groomed skating champions Michelle Kwan and Evan Lysacek.

Gold's performance was broadcast on NBC, and commentators said her freestyle program was the best they've seen her deliver. 

At just 15-years-old, Polina Edmunds won the silver medal during her first time competing in the women's senior division. And Mirai Nagasu won the bronze. Ashley Wagner, who fell twice during her program Saturday night but had a strong competitive year overall, finished in fourth place. 

The U.S. Figure Skating Association is expected to name the three-member U.S. Olympic women's figure skating team on Sunday. Gold appears to have secured her spot on the team, but who will accompany her to Sochi, Russia is not as certain.

Gold joined Wagon Wheel about four years ago, according to Lanny Nelson, the club's president.

"Gracie and her sister Carly are members of the club," Nelson said. "The club has a history of supporting our member skaters as well as a history of champions: Junior Ladies, Novice Ladies champions as well as Synchro Junior Champions. Janet Lynn was a member when she won the bronze at the Olympics."


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