Jason Brown Showcases ‘Riverdance’ Program, Places Fifth in Short
On a thrilling opening day at the 2025 Saatva Skate America in Lake Placid, New York, famed skater Jason Brown returned to the spotlight with his memorable 2014 Olympic program, “Riverdance.” Competing among elite talent, he placed fifth in the short program, delivering a performance filled with emotion and flair.
The two-time Olympian executed “Reel Around the Sun” by Bill Whelan in the iconic Herb Brooks Arena, eliciting cheers from the audience and highlighting his longstanding connection to the song. “This is so special,” Brown expressed after his skate. “It speaks to that longevity and my love of the sport. To be back 12 years later and to share this moment with the crowd felt incredible.”
Despite achieving Level 4 ratings for two spins and his step sequence, Brown experienced technical challenges, which resulted in negative Grades of Execution (GOEs) for some of his jumps, earning him a total score of 82.69. “I wish it was a cleaner skate,” he admitted. “But my confidence is growing, and I’m excited about competing again next week.”
Joining him were Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe, who earned fifth place among pairs, scoring 61.51. This determined duo faced their own set of hurdles, particularly with their side-by-side triple toe loops. However, they impressed judges with Level 4 scores for their reverse lasso lift and combination spin. Chan reflected on their performance: “It could have gone better, but we are trying our best to be resilient.”
Competing at Skate America for the sixth time, Brown’s history includes four Grand Prix medals. This marks a notable return for talented pair teams like Valentina Plazas and Maximiliano Fernandez, who completed their first Grand Prix event since 2023 with a score of 56.85.
The evening also saw Olivia Flores and Luke Wang making their Grand Prix debut, finishing eighth with a score of 55.83. Overcoming pre-competition nerves, Wang noted the power of the supportive crowd, underlining the importance of the audience in figure skating.
As the competition unfolds at 2025 Saatva Skate America, fans eagerly await the free skate performances, while athletes work to refine and elevate their scores for a shot at supremacy in the ISU Grand Prix Series.
