Add Bel Air, Maryland's Kimmie Meissner to the list of teenage American champions. The 16-year-old Meissner pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Figure Skating Championships history with the performance of her life Saturday. She joined Michelle Kwan and Tara Lipinski among U.S. teens who won a world crown, and Sarah Hughes, of course, was the 2002 Olympic champion at age 16.
"I am so happy with myself; it's an awesome feeling," said Meissner, who was sixth last month in Turin. "I really wanted to do my best at the last competition of the season — smooth sailing right through my program."
While Kimmie soared, Sasha Cohen hit rough ice from the beginning, adding to a distressing trend for the U.S. champion. Another free skate with an international gold medal in reach, and another flop for Cohen. "It's frustrating and disappointing," said Cohen, who landed only two clean jumps and fell on her final one, a salchow. She also was credited for a jump combination she never completed. "But I know I gave it my best effort. "A few years ago, I used to cry, but I used up all my tears. I am disappointed."
Meissner was as sensational as Cohen was weak. She landed seven triple jumps, including two triple-triple combinations — the only ones of the day — just a few minutes after Cohen self-destructed. Even before Meissner was done with her final spin, she was smiling widely, knowing she couldn't have done any better. She lingered on the ice, her arms raised to the rafters, where she was certain her mother was sitting "because she can't stand to be too close to the ice."
Meissner carried an American flag around the ice after receiving her medal. She stood at attention on the top of the podium and sang the "Star Spangled Banner," the smile never fading. Standing on the podium and watching the flag, it was such a proud moment for me." ...Read more here
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