FIGURE SKATING
Hana Yoshida (JPN) shines bright to take lead in Women’s Short Program in Helsinki
15 Nov 2024
Hana Yoshida (JPN) leads the Women’s Short Program in a competition with plenty of twists and turns as the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event Finlandia Trophy continued in Helsinki (FIN) Friday.
Hana Yoshida (JPN) wins Women’s Short Program
Hana Yoshida of Japan claimed the Women’s Short Program. While the ISU Grand Prix Finalist was one of the top favorites heading into the event, Italian Lara Naki Gutmann in second and newcomer Sarah Everhardt (USA) were her surprise companions.
Hana Yoshida (JPN) in the Women’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Helsinki, Finland © ISU
Top seed Yoshida skated last and turned in a beautiful performance to “Dark Clouds” that featured a double Axel, triple loop and slightly under-rotated triple Lutz-triple toe combination, as well as level-four spins and footwork.
The 2023 Cup of China Champion posted a new season’s best with 67.87 points.
“I could have done better with all my jumps, but I am happy and I am excited for tomorrow,” Yoshida said.
“I know that I will be nervous tomorrow too, but I will just concentrate on myself and I want to stay calm and just enjoy.”
The 2024 Skate Canada bronze medalist shared the interesting story of her program:
“In the beginning it's a drop of water and it goes through rivers and then becomes a big ocean. It's a story about building up the ocean and the middle - the step sequence - is wild and crazy and I really enjoy it. It's a unique program.”
Gutmann wowed the judges and the audience with her interesting routine set to the “Squid Game” soundtrack, hitting a triple toe-triple toe combination, triple Lutz and double Axel. The Italian achieved a new personal best of 67.06 points.
Lara Gutmann (ITA) in the Women’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Helsinki, Finland © ISU
Gutmann competed at the NHK Trophy a week ago, and was called up last minute as a replacement. She used her opportunity well.
“I feel like the trainings in the past days weren't so good, because of the travel and the jet lag. I am happy about today's score, and that I could show what I'm really working for in the training,” the Denis Ten Memorial bronze medalist shared.
Her program was an unusual choice. “It was a really tough decision for the music, but the minute I heard it with my coach I knew it was interesting. I had the opportunity to work with Stephane Lambiel on the program. It was amazing, I always have fun especially in the step sequence.
“In the past years I tried to have at least one particular program. It gives me a lot more motivation during my training, and I have fun, so I really enjoy skating it,” Gutmann explained.
Performing to “Reel Around the Sun”, Everhardt entertained the audience and produced a triple toe-triple toe, double Axel and triple Lutz.
Sarah Everhardt (USA) in the Women’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Helsinki, Finland © ISU
The Skater, who celebrated her 18th birthday three days ago, netted 66.28 points and, like Gutmann, sits for the first time in a medal position at an ISU Grand Prix.
“The audience gives me a lot of energy and helps me push through the program and supports everybody,” Everhardt said. “I'm here to gain experience on the Grand Prix circuit, and I'm glad I'm skating well and I hope to continue to skate well.”
The scores are close and a lot can happen in the Free Skating on Saturday.
2024 Skate Canada silver medalist Rino Matsuike (JPN) finished fourth at 64.82 points, ahead of Ahsun Yun (KOR) with 63.16 points. Two-time ISU Four Continents Champion Mai Mihara rounds up the top six at 59.56 points.
For full entries, schedules & results, see the ISU Grand Prix Event Page & ISU Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy Event Page & Official Finlandia Trophy 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 Finlandia Trophy is as follows
Friday, Nov 15: Men’s, Women’s & Pairs Short Programs
Saturday, Nov 16: Men’s & Women’s Free Skating, Rhythm Dance
Sunday, Nov 17: Pairs Free Skating, Free Dance
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.
