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BOWLING GREEN, O.—The Associated Press is calling Bowling Green State University sophomore Alissa Czisny “the new American
figure skating sensation” after her stunning win at Skate Canada on Saturday (Oct. 29).
Czisny, who won silver at Skate America the prior weekend when she substituted for the injured Sasha Cohen, took home her first gold medal at the senior level. The 18-year-old Bowling Green native scored her personal best of 168.32 points, nine points better than at Skate America where she finished behind Russia’s Elena Sokolova.
Her performance at the first two meets of the six-meet Grand Prix circuit guarantees her a spot at the six-skater Grand Prix finals on Dec. 16-18 in Tokyo.
Czisny has been in four major competitions this season—more than most skaters—and continues to take classes full time at BGSU. Her ambition? The Olympics.
Like Bowling Green native and Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, Czisny grew up at the BGSU Ice Arena as a member of the Bowling Green Skating Club. As her talent matured, she has advanced her training as a member of the Detroit Skating Club.
Lona Leck, assistant director of the BGSU Ice Arena and family friend, formerly coached both Alissa and her twin sister, Amber. “I’ve watched the girls grow since they were 2 years old,” Leck said. “Even then, you could recognize the talent. I’ve been telling the family and Alissa that her turn would come. It’s terrific that her work is coming to fruition in an Olympic year.”
Three female skaters will be named to the Olympic team after the U.S. national skating championships in January. Observers say it’s the third spot on the team that’s up for grabs; most predict that despite injuries, Cohen and Michelle Kwan will continue to dominate the American women skaters and capture the first two places on the team.
Czisny, who won silver at Skate America the prior weekend when she substituted for the injured Sasha Cohen, took home her first gold medal at the senior level. The 18-year-old Bowling Green native scored her personal best of 168.32 points, nine points better than at Skate America where she finished behind Russia’s Elena Sokolova.
Her performance at the first two meets of the six-meet Grand Prix circuit guarantees her a spot at the six-skater Grand Prix finals on Dec. 16-18 in Tokyo.
Czisny has been in four major competitions this season—more than most skaters—and continues to take classes full time at BGSU. Her ambition? The Olympics.
Like Bowling Green native and Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, Czisny grew up at the BGSU Ice Arena as a member of the Bowling Green Skating Club. As her talent matured, she has advanced her training as a member of the Detroit Skating Club.
Lona Leck, assistant director of the BGSU Ice Arena and family friend, formerly coached both Alissa and her twin sister, Amber. “I’ve watched the girls grow since they were 2 years old,” Leck said. “Even then, you could recognize the talent. I’ve been telling the family and Alissa that her turn would come. It’s terrific that her work is coming to fruition in an Olympic year.”
Three female skaters will be named to the Olympic team after the U.S. national skating championships in January. Observers say it’s the third spot on the team that’s up for grabs; most predict that despite injuries, Cohen and Michelle Kwan will continue to dominate the American women skaters and capture the first two places on the team.
(Posted November 01, 2005)