By Crystal Kim
The first Grand Prix event for the 2023-2024 season kicked off with some superb skating in all 4 disciplines. The ladies was no exception where the current World bronze medalist, Leona Hendrickx of Belgium, led a field of potentially strong skaters by placing 1st in both the short and long programs.
Some of the favorites to medal were the top American skaters, which include Isabeau Levito and Amber Glenn, who placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in the short program. The latter two skaters have such deep respect for each other where Levito expressed that one of her skating idols or heroes is Amber Glenn. “ “ After hearing what Levito had said of her idol, Glenn was so touched that Hendrickx offered Glenn tissues after welling up tears in the press conference. Glenn also gave Levito a hug after the press interviews.
All 3 ladies debuted their 2023-2024 short program. Hendrickx and Levito both had clean programs in the free program. Hendrickx being the favorite had 6 clean triples, which included a Rippon (hands over the head) triple lutz-triple toe combo and skated to a dynamite program to Beyonce’s rendition of ‘Vogue’ that was made famous by Madonna.
Levito attempted 6 jumping passes, which included 4 clean triples, 1 triple with a quarter call, and 1 downgrade on a triple. Though Glenn had a great 1st half of her program with clean triples which included nicely done triple axel with good height and a secure landing, she had made significant mistakes in the 2nd half where she had downgrades and a pop on one of her jumps. In turn, others took the opportunity to place further ahead with a strong free skate such as Grand Prix newcomer Hana Yoshida, who like Glen attempted a triple axel, and Niina Petrokina, who became the 1st skater from Estonia to ever medal at a Grand Prix event.
With Hendrickx being the only lady to land both the short and long programs with many clean jumping passes and triples, she decisively wins the Skate America title with hopes of not only doing well on her next Grand Prix event, but looking to win the European title. With many other skaters focusing mainly on worlds, her main focus for the near future is the 2024 Europeans since this is a title she says she knows she is capable of winning.
Photo by Crystal Kim
Leona Hendrickx during her short program
