Skate America

Skate America is one of six International Skating Union sanctioned events and part of the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. In 2009 competitions were held in Japan, China, Russia, France and the U.S. leading up to the final event in Canada in December. Competltors were awarded points at the two events in which they competed. The top six point earners in each discipline earned spots at the final session. Winners become ISU champions. This year, Lake Placid was fifth in the order of the six events and, in an Olympic year, was also significant in helping determine who might represent their country in Vancouver. Representatives from 20 nations competed in Lake Placid, including former Olympic medalists, World Champions, ISU Champions and various national champions. It was figure skating at its highest level...