USFSA 1999 World Junior Team Selections

Here are some photos that I took at the USFSA World Junior Team selection competition, which took place September 3-5, 1998. Results of this event were used to help choose the skaters who will represent the United States at the 1999 World Junior Figure Skating Championships, to be held in late-1998. Complete results can be found on the USFSA site. The USFSA has selected the top three finishers in each discipline to go to junior world's.

Personal notes: This was the first live skating competition that I ever attended, and it was very exciting! I watched the last day of competition, the free skating programs of all four disciplines. Fortunately I was able to get good seats (third row, right on center ice). It was very interesting to see the difference in speed, power, and overall skating quality from one competitor to the next. It was fun to see the skaters and coaches "up close and personal" as well. I was quite star-struck! :) The skating itself was very entertaining, and the top finishers all skated strong programs. I think the USA will be well-represented at junior world's.

(You can click on each photo below to view a larger version)


Second-place pairs finishers Tiffany & Johnnie Steigler starting their free skate 


Pairs winners Laura Handy and J. Paul Binnebose taking their bows after their free skate 


Andrea Aggeler (left) and Sarah Hughes (right) warming up for the ladies' free skate 


Morgan Rowe warming up 


Ladies' winner Sarah Hughes finishing her free skate  


Second-place ladies' finisher Camie Doyle finishing her free skate