By Abby Farrell
The August/September Issue of SKATING magazine hit mailboxes this weekend; here are five stories to check out.
1. Jason Brown Writes His Own Playbook
In the cover story, Olympian Jason Brown discusses how he is writing his own playbook leading up to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. This past season, Brown went from performing in shows all across Japan to competing at the 2023 U.S. Championships and earning a silver medal, all the while preserving his unmatched artistry and competitive edge. Brown proved his way was the right way for him with a resounding finish to last season, placing fifth at the World Championships and helping Team USA earn the World Team Trophy title.
2. 2023 National Theatre on Ice
Harmony Theatre Company of Michigan delivered yet another stunning performance at the National Theatre on Ice competition, winning its record sixth senior title. The team’s gripping performance to “Bitter Earth” told the story of an apocalyptic society that must work together to create a universe that they all can be proud of. Harmony also took home titles in the novice and adult divisions. The Space Coast Hurricanes based out of Rockledge, Florida, also stood at the top of the podium in the intermediate and preliminary categories.
3. Membership Records Increases for the 2022-23 Season
For the second consecutive season, U.S. Figure Skating broke its own total membership record with 242,451 members and 184,511 Learn to Skate USA members. Last season, total membership reached 222,890 and Learn to Skate USA had 167,725 members. The growth this past year marked an 8.7 percent increase in total members and a 10 percent increase in membership for Learn to Skate USA. In total, seven of U.S. Figure Skating’s membership programs also saw a positive trend in their membership numbers.
4. Coaches Corner Debut
This issue marks the debut of the Coaches Corner. This column will serve as a resource for coaches at all levels by providing information and education. U.S. Figure Skating Director of Coaching Development and Education Heidi Thibert outlines a new coach’s membership that was approved at the 2023 Governing Council.
5. PSA Coaches of the Year Announced
The coaching team of Jenni Meno Sand, Todd Sand, Christine Fowler-Binder and Chris Knierim was recently honored with the Professional Skaters Association’s Coaches of the Year award. This award is presented to a coach(es) who had a significant impact on an athlete’s performance that led to a tremendous career achievement in the past year. Meno Sand credited her husband, Todd, for his work and dedication to his family; their skaters and the coaching staff. Todd continues to recover following a heart attack while at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in March. Most notably, the coaching team is credited with leading Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier to their second U.S. pairs title and the World silver medal, and Sonia Baram and Daniel Tioumentsev to the World Junior pairs gold medal.
