U.S. Figure Skaters In Medal Contention in Three Disciplines As Competition Reaches the Halfway Point at Gangwon 2024

GANGWON, South Korea — Figure skating competition at the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 opened on Jan. 27 with the pairs and men’s singles short programs. The competition reached its halfway point this evening as the ice dance - rhythm dance and women’s singles short programs concluded. After all resultes were final, the U.S. sits in medal position in three disciplines, as the group heads into the free skate rounds at Gangneung Ice Arena.

The U.S. duo of Cayla Smith and Jared McPike dazzled the Korean crowd to open the competition in pairs competition. Smith and McPike skated an expertly clean routine to Meghan Trainor’s popular song, “All About that Bass.” After all results were tallied, the duo finished in second, just over two points behind Canada and five points ahead of Spain. Although Canada’s Annika Behnke and Kole Sauve had a fall during their routine, they entered competition with a higher base value, giving them a slight advantage heading into the free skate on Jan. 29.

In men’s singles, Jacob Sanchez earned a first-place score of 76.38 for his impressive short program performance. The Montgomery, New York, native skated in a field of 18 total competitors that rank highly in international competition. However, he rose to the challenge to top the standings.

Sanchez opted for a slightly more conservative base value of elements than the rest of the top three in his category but ultimately was rewarded for his solid execution. The judges also gave him the highest marks of the night in composition, presentation and skating skills. 

On Jan. 28, Olivia Ilin and Dylan Cain took to the ice in the rhythm dance portion of the ice dancing event. The pair placed second overall behind France and ahead of host country South Korea. Although the U.S. and France started with a similar difficulty level of elements, the latter earned the upper edge in the overall execution of elements. They competed in a stacked field of 12 total pairs and utilized three pieces of music for their final product.

To close out the night, Sherry Zhang represented Team USA in the women’s singles short program. She faced tough competition, with six of her competitors ranking in the Top-15 of the most current Junior Grand Prix standings. Zhang, who currently ranks 10th, had two unfortunate mishaps in her routine, an ethereal skate to Maxime Rodriguez’s “Vivo Tango” and “The Illusionist.” The deductions ultimately impacted her overall elements score as she resides outside of medal contention. Zhang will look to bounce back in the free skate on Jan. 30.

Fans can tune into the action on the Olympic Channel and follow the Gangwon 2024 website for updates, as medals are on the line tomorrow for the pairs and men's singles disciplines.