Amber Glenn's Grace and Determination Shine at World Championships Amber Glenn has demonstrated remarkable poise both on and off the ice, with her performance at the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague becoming a focal point of discussion. The triple Axel, a technically demanding jump that only a select few competitors have attempted, was a defining element of her short program. Glenn, who has long struggled with self-doubt, executed the jump with precision, landing 12 of 13 attempts this season and receiving positive grades of execution on all but three. However, a misstep during the competition raised concerns about whether this would mark another setback in her quest for a medal. The triple Axel, considered one of the most challenging elements in women’s skating, was attempted by only a handful of competitors, with Japan’s Ami Nakai being the only other skater to attempt it. Nakai managed only a double, while Glenn’s mastery of the jump was evident in her consistent performance leading up to the event. Despite a forward lean during the takeoff, which had previously plagued her in earlier competitions, Glenn remained composed. She reminded herself, “I’m not going to lose my balance. I’m going to do this thing,” a moment that underscored her determination. Glenn finished third in the short program with 72.65 points, narrowly edging out teammate Isabeau Levito (72.16) and placing her ahead of top contenders like Kaori Sakamoto (79.31) and Mone Chiba (78.45). While her performance was not flawless—her triple Axel received a slightly negative grade of execution, and a subsequent combination jump drew a larger penalty for incomplete rotation—she managed to keep her position in the standings. Reflecting on her performance, Glenn expressed relief rather than disappointment.#world_figure_skating_championships #prague #amber_glenn #ami_nakai #isabeau_levito
Kaori Sakamoto leads after short program at figure skating worlds PRAGUE — Kaori Sakamoto is aiming to end her competitive career with a world figure skating title, securing her place at the top of the standings after the short program at the World Championships. The Japanese skater, known for her emotional performances, delivered a powerful interpretation of "Time to Say Goodbye," earning a season-best score of 79.31. This placed her in first place, just shy of a full point ahead of her compatriot Mone Chiba, who scored 78.45 in her disco-themed routine. Sakamoto’s achievement carries extra significance as this marks her final world championships. The event is held in the Czech Republic, where she began her Junior Grand Prix career 13 years ago. Reflecting on the milestone, she expressed pride in the full-circle moment, calling it a "good feeling to have." The competition remains highly competitive, with a strong U.S. challenge for medals ahead of the free skate. Amber Glenn, the reigning Olympic team gold medalist, sits in third place with 72.65, while Isabeau Levito follows closely at fourth with 72.16. Levito’s performance marks a return to form after finishing 12th at the Olympics. Ami Nakai, who led the Olympic short program with a triple axel, struggled in the current event. The 17-year-old Japanese skater managed only an awkward double jump as her opening move, leaving her in eighth place and facing a difficult recovery. In the pairs competition, Germany’s Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin hold a narrow lead over Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava of Georgia. The German duo, who previously won European and Olympic titles, edged their rivals with a score of 79.78 to 79.45. Canadians Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud are third with 75.52, setting the stage for Thursday’s free skate.#world_championships #kaori_sakamoto #mone_chiba #prague #amber_glenn
