Athletes to watch at Skate America 2024
Malinin hopes to continue the momentum of his first world title when he enters the fray at the ISU Grand Prix in Allen.
He appeared in good form last month in his season debut at the Lombardia Trophy, winning the title ahead of Japan’s Kagiyama Yuma by more than 20 points.
At Skate America he will face the French veteran Kevin Aymozwho finished fourth at the 2023 World Championships, as well as the Latvian Denis Vasiliev and the Japanese Miura Kao. The latter two finished seventh and eighth respectively in the world rankings last season.
Among the women, the 17-year-old American Isabeau Levito will be the favorite after winning silver at last year’s World Championships.
The Japanese Higuchi Wakaba has the talent to upset her, she who climbed onto the podium at the Worlds in 2018. But the biggest competition will perhaps come from her compatriot Bradie Tennellwho is making his return after two difficult years, marked by multiple injuries.
World silver medalists Miura Riku et Kihara Ryuichi are also favorites for this first Grand Prix of the season, while Madison Chock et Evan Bates looking to continue their success after two consecutive world victories.
