U.S. Figure Skating solidified its presence on the global stage Friday, with the elections of Olympic judge Tina Lundgren and Olympian Evan Bates to the International Skating Union Council, and veteran official Karin Sherr to the ISU Synchronized Skating Technical Committee.
Their selections took place on the final day of the 60th Ordinary ISU Congress in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
"I think it's a fantastic day for the United States, and for our ability to impact figure skating on a global level, with incredible candidates across the board," U.S. Figure Skating President Kevin Rosenstein said.
U.S. Figure Skating leadership shows its strength in numbers at the ISU Congress. (l-r) Kevin Rosenstein, Lois Long, Matt Farrell, Karin Sherr, Pat St. Peter, Troy Goldstein, Tina Lundgren, Shawn Rettstatt and Evan Bates
Lundgren, a longtime leader of the U.S. Figure Skating movement, was the top vote-getter and will hold the first chair on the Council. She follows Patricia St. Peter, whose term expired.
"I think Tina is an incredible addition to the Council, and we are so proud of her being in the first chair," Rosenstein said.
Lundgren is excited, she said, for the opportunity.
"I'm just thrilled to be a part of figure skating in any way in which I can serve my sport that I love. To be here on behalf of U.S. Figure Skating and now make this transition to the ISU and serve at this global level is an honor. I thank everyone who has supported me over the years, and I promise to do all the work that we've set out to do."
Bates, a two-time Olympic team event champion and Olympic silver medalist in ice dance with partner and wife Madison Chock, was selected as chair of the Athlete Committee and athlete member of the ISU Council. He succeeds speed skater Douwe De Vries of the Netherlands as chair.
"Evan just continues to represent athletes in an incredible way," Rosenstein said. "His presence here has elevated the entire conversation, and he's done it with great charm."
Bates served as the ice dance representative on the ISU Athletes Council since March 2022.
Sherr, a veteran official, technical controller and referee at domestic and international levels, will serve on the ISU's Synchronized Skating Technical Committee.
"Karin brings extensive expertise in synchronized skating and a great eye toward detail," Rosenstein said. "I think what she's going to be able to provide in terms of leadership as part of the tech committee is awesome."
Lois Long was the interim chair of the ISU synchronized skating technical committee, with her term concluding.
Shawn Rettstatt will not return as a member of the ISU Dance Technical Committee, following his unsuccessful run for reelection as chair.
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