FIGURE SKATING
Glenn (USA) claims career-first Grand Prix gold at ISU Grand Prix de France
02 Nov 2024
Amber Glenn (USA) claimed her first ISU Grand Prix title in a competition full of suspense Saturday at the ISU Grand Prix de France in Angers (FRA).
In what was a Women’s competition full of suspense, Glenn skated off with her very first ISU Grand Prix title. Japan’s Wakaba Higuchi earned the silver and a spot at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, while Rion Sumiyoshi, also of Japan, moved up from fifth to take the bronze.
Overnight leader Glenn opened her performance to “I Will Find You the Return” with her triple Axel, but when she stumbled out of it, the crowd gasped. Although the US Champion recovered to land five clean triples and two level-four spins, she could not be sure that it would be enough to win. Glenn ranked third in the Free Skating with132.30 points but overall held on to first place on 210.44 points.
Amber Glenn (USA) recovered from an early mistake to finish third in the Free Skate and secure gold at the ISU Grand Prix de France © ISU
“I still don't believe it, [it is] crazy but very good,” Glenn said about winning.
“I was very nervous coming in today, it was my first time being in first place at a major event in a short program and there was a lot happening, a lot of excitement. For me it was, oh I did another program, so it was very odd and had a lot of emotions.
“I made a lot of small mistakes today that caused the fall on the flip and the hands down and that was due to both fatigue and just self-doubt.”
Standing in third place overnight just 0.1 of a point ahead of fifth place, Higuchi knew she had no room for error and she duly delivered.
Performing to “Nature Boy” and “Running Up That Hill”, the 2018 World silver medalist produced six clean triple jumps as well as difficult spins and footwork to win the Free Skating segment with a season’s best of 139.10 points.
Overall, the 2024 Skate America Champion accumulated 206.08 points and moved up from third to second place.
With her gold from Skate America and silver from Grand Prix de France, Higuchi qualified for the ISU Grand Prix Final for the first time since 2017.
A Free Skate season's best for Wakaba Higuchi (JPN) lifted her into the silver medal position and secured a place in December's ISU Grand Prix Final © ISU
Sumiyoshi continued her flawless ISU Grand Prix record – she has competed in five events now and has been on the podium each time.
“Last year, I came also third here in France and like now, I was in fifth place following the Short Program,” the Japanese skater noted.
On her way on to the podium, Sumiyoshi completed five good triple jumps. The 21-year-old was the only woman in the competition to attempt a quadruple jump but her quad toe was landed forward and downgraded.
Sumiyoshi, who performed to “Adiemus Songs of Sanctuary”, was second in the Free Skating with 134.47 points and moved up to third with a total of 201.35 points.
Rion Sumiyoshi (JPN) extended her ISU Grand Prix record of five podiums in five events by climbing from fifth to third with a strong Free Skate © ISU
“Today, I really felt like I was able to see really around, look at the people. I felt quite good with my physical shape too,” Sumiyoshi told the press.
“More than getting in the zone, I felt like everything was under control. This gave me a kind of good spirit to skate. As for the quad, I was not really feeling it, so I think I still did my best in a way and I accept the result. Overall, my skate today is what I was aiming to do.”
The reigning World bronze medalist Chaeyeon Kim (KOR) fell on a triple Lutz-triple toe combination and dropped from second to fourth (199.99 points). Sarah Everhardt (USA) was a strong fifth on her ISU Grand Prix debut (196.94 points) while 2023 Grand Prix de France silver medalist Nina Pinzarrone (BEL) remained in sixth place (184.67 points).
Glenn pocketed 15 points towards the ISU Grand Prix Standings and will compete against Sumiyoshi (11 points) at the Cup of China, where they will aim to qualify for the Grand Prix Final.
Higuchi is the first Woman to qualify with her gold (15 points) from Skate America and her silver from France (13 points) giving her a total of 28 points.
For full entries, schedules & results, see the ISU Grand Prix series page, ISU Grand Prix de France event page and the official Grand Prix de France website.
Check out the ISU Grand Prix Standings to find out who is on their way to qualify for the Final:
Men Women Pair Skating Ice Dance
What & When
The schedule of the Grand Prix de France is as follows:
Friday, Nov 1: Pairs & Women’s Short Programs, Rhythm Dance, Men’s Short Program
Saturday, Nov 2: Women’s & Men’s Free Skating, Free Dance, Pairs Free Skating
Sunday, Nov 3: Exhibition Gala
Follow the ISU Grand Prix events:
The schedules of each ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event are available below:
- 18 - 20 Oct 2024 Skate America in Allen, TX (USA)
- 25 - 27 Oct 2024 Skate Canada International in Halifax (CAN)
- 01 - 03 Nov 2024 Grand Prix de France in Angers (FRA)
- 08 - 10 Nov 2024 NHK Trophy in Tokyo (JPN)
- 15- 17 Nov 2024 Finlandia Trophy in Helsinki (FIN)
- 22 - 24 Nov 2024 Cup of China in Chongqing (CHN)
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final:
- 05 - 08 Dec 2024 Grenoble (FRA)
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known a s 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 can qualify for the Final.
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