Loena Hendrickx (BEL) rules Women’s Short Program at Skate America

Loena Hendrickx swept to the top of the Women’s Short Program at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU

Two-time ISU World medalist Loena Hendrickx of Belgium reigned in the Women’s Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix event Skate America in Allen, Texas (USA) on Saturday. U.S. Skaters Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito follow in second and third.

Hendrickx delivered a captivating performance to “I’m nin’alu” by Ofra Haza and “Living for Love” by Madonna that featured a triple flip, double Axel as well as level-four spins and footwork. The only glitch came when she underrotated the back end of her triple Lutz-triple toe combination. The two-time ISU World medalist scored 75.92 points.

Hendrickx scored 75.92 in the Short Program at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU

“I was pretty excited to show my new short program today,” Hendrickx shared. “I really enjoyed going out on this ice and I’m pretty happy with my performance today. I wasn’t really fully prepared for this event yet.

“I was a little struggling with my triple-triple in the second half. I knew it was a risk to try it here. And I’m really happy that I managed to land it.”

Two-time Worlds medalist Hendrickx debuted a new program at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU

Skating to “Heads Will Roll”, Glenn landed a triple flip-triple toe, double Axel and triple loop to post a new personal best of 71.45 points.

“Skate America being the first competition of the season for me was very bizarre but having the home crowd and the exhilaration of the entire arena really pushed me through it and I had a great time,” the 2022 Skate America bronze medalist commented.

Amber Glenn finished second in the Short Program on home ice at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU

“For me, this is the first time I’ve started my season so late. I had some complications coming in here with a surprise injury. So I was able to work with my team really well in order to be able to take the right amount of time to be healthy and be safe, that’s my number one priority.

“To come here and try and do what I’ve been doing in practice every day is truly my goal.”

Levito delivered a strong performance of her Oriental “Snake” program set to “Yarning” as well, landing a triple Lutz-triple toe, double Axel and triple flip. The ISU Grand Prix Final silver medalist earned 70.07 points.

“I absolutely adore Second America, so I’m loving it here right now,” Levito said. “I personally am a little bit disappointed with my short program. I definitely feel like parts of my program were slow and I didn‘t put enough intensity into it.”

Isabeau Levito ended the Short Program in third place at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU

Niina Petrokina (EST) placed fourth at 65.02 points with a solid skate while 2023 ISU Four Continents silver medalist Mone Chiba (JPN) came fifth at 64.24 points. Mana Kawabe (JPN) rounds up the top six (62.80 points).

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series consists of six events: Skate America, Skate Canada International, Grand Prix de France, Cup of China, the Grand Prix Espoo (FIN) and NHK Trophy(JPN). Skaters collect points to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN).

The General Announcement of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series is available here on the ISU website. The individual announcements are published on the ISU Event section under each dedicated Grand Prix event (filter with the relevant Event Series).

For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit here.

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Where to Watch

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be live streamed on the official ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating YouTube Channel in most countries. Find out Where to watch the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions.

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ISU Grand Prix Schedule

The schedules of each ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events are available below:

20 – 22 Oct, 2023 Skate America, Allen, Texas (USA)

27 – 29 Oct, 2023 Skate Canada International, Vancouver (CAN)

3 – 5 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix de France, Angers (FRA)

10 – 12 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Cup of China, Chongqing (CHN)

17 – 19 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Espoo, Espoo (FIN)

24 – 26 Nov, 2023 NHK Trophy, Osaka (JPN)

7 – 10 Dec, 2023 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Beijing (CHN)

About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known as the ISU Champions Series) and consists of six invitational international senior events and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. The top six of the past World Championships are seeded. Competitors collect points in their events towards the qualification for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Only the top six Skaters / Couples in each discipline qualify for the Final.