The 2021 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships, hosted by the Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy, will be held June 23-26, 2021, in Rochester, Michigan. 296 skaters between the ages of 21 and 81 are scheduled to compete at the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena.
“A host of volunteers and staff worked very hard to organize what has become the premier annual adult figure skating competition in the United States," said Lori Fussell, National Vice Chair for Adult Skating on the Competitions Committee. “We are grateful to have the support of U.S. Figure Skating and its dedicated members in offering this meaningful opportunity for adult athletes who love to skate and challenge themselves through competition!”
The 2021 U.S. Adult Championships, postponed from April to June, returns two years after the last event was held in Salt Lake City in April 2019. The 2020 U.S. Adult Championships and the 2021 Adult Sectional Championships were canceled due to the pandemic.
“The athletes competing in Rochester have worked incredibly hard, and many have unfinished business due to the unexpected timeline of last season,” said Aviva Cantor, Chair of the Adult Skating Committee. “Most of all, we’re looking forward to finally being together again at our annual family reunion. This is a party two years in the making.”
Competitors at the U.S. Adult Championships are divided into five age groups (21-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66+) and two tracks (masters and adults). Events are held in singles, pairs, partnered dance, solo dance, dramatic entertainment and light entertainment. Among the athletes returning this year who won their championship events in 2019 are: Daniel Palmeri, Eric Bilardi, Olivia Wyrick, Stephanie Knighton, Adam Hudson, Leslie Duskin and the pair team of Judy Mata and Vladimir Levchenkov.
Three special awards will be presented at the event: The Yvonne M. Dowlen Trophy will be presented to the oldest competitor; Skate Forever Young Awards will be presented to all competitors who are 71 and older; and Adult Special Achievement Awards will be given to athletes in championship events to encourage and reward high-quality elements, skating skills and interpretation.
“We are thrilled to be the comeback competition for the adult-qualifying circuit and feel privileged to still have the opportunity to host!” said Palmeri, who is not only returning to defend his title, but also serves as LOC co-chair. “We are excited that the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships are back in Michigan and that it is coming to a new venue and location. Suburban Ice Rochester and Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy look forward to welcoming everyone to our arena and city; it is beautiful in the summer!”
The Adult Skating Committee will hold its annual meeting Thursday, June 24, at 7:00 p.m. ET at Suburban Ice Rochester. For those who won’t attend in person, the meeting will be broadcasted on Facebook Live.
Further event details can be found here. Starting orders and results are available here. Event videos will be available on the U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone after the conclusion of the U.S. Adult Championships.
