U.S. Figure Skating announced its world championship team at the end of the U.S. Championships.
The team -- three men, two women, two pairs and three ice dance couples -- was chosen by committee and, as usual, went closely in line with results from nationals.
Save two exceptions: the third men’s spot went not to bronze medalist Tomoki Hiwatashi, but fourth-place finisher Vincent Zhou, the 2019 World bronze medalist; the second pair will not be silver medalists Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson, but instead fourth-place finishers Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy LeDuc.
The committee decides the team considering results not only from nationals but also other recent competitions. Zhou and Cain-Gribble and LeDuc have more international experience and past nationals success.
Nathan Chen leads the charge as he attempts to win a third consecutive world title, coming off his fourth straight nationals victory. This sets up a duel with two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan.
Two-time women’s national champion, Alysa Liu, remains too young at 14 to compete on the senior international level. Her post-season assignments will be determined after the 2020 U.S. World Junior Team Camp, though it is widely expected she will make her world junior championship debut.
The world championships are set for March 16-22 in Montreal. The Four Continents Championships will run Feb. 3-9 in Seoul. Events will be televised and live streamed for NBC Sports Gold Figure Skating pass subscribers.
World Championships
Nathan Chen
Jason Brown
Vincent Zhou
Mariah Bell
Bradie Tennell
Alexa Knierim/Chris Knierim
Ashley Cain-Gribble/Timothy LeDuc
Madison Chock/Evan Bates
Madison Hubbell/Zach Donohue
Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker
Four Continents Championships
Jason Brown
Tomoki Hiwatashi
Camden Pulkinen
Karen Chen
Amber Glenn
Bradie Tennell
Alexa Knierim/Chris Knierim
Jessica Calalang/Brian Johnson
Tarah Kayne/Danny O’Shea
Madison Chock/Evan Bates
Madison Hubbell/Zach Donohue
Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker
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NATIONALS: Full Results | Women’s | Ice dance | Pairs | Men’s
As a reminder, you can watch the events from the 2019-20 figure skating season live and on-demand with the ‘Figure Skating Pass’ on NBC Sports Gold. Go to NBCsports.com/gold/figure-skating to sign up for access to every ISU Grand Prix and championship event, as well as domestic U.S. Figure Skating events throughout the season. NBC Sports Gold gives subscribers an unprecedented level of access on more platforms and devices than ever before.
