U.S. Junior National Team Set for Final Junior Grand Prix in United Arab Emirates
The excitement builds as the U.S. Junior National Team heads to Abu Dhabi for the final ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating event of the season from October 8-11. Leading the American charge are ice dancers Hana Maria Aboian and Daniil Veselukhin, alongside Lucius Kazanecki, each looking to secure podium finishes this year.
Aboian and Veselukhin, having clinched gold at their first Junior Grand Prix event in Thailand, are determined to maintain their winning momentum, while Kazanecki proudly holds a bronze medal from Turkey. This upcoming competition provides an opportunity for all three athletes to strengthen their positions for the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in December.
“We aim for nothing less than gold. We’ve worked hard, and we’re ready to showcase our skills on this international stage,” Aboian remarked—reflecting the level of ambition driving the team. Into their third competition of the series, the powerful duo hopes to extend their remarkable streak of medals.
Additionally, sibling ice dancers Clara and Warren Fugate will also debut at this level, following an impressive novice finish at the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Their journey starts here, aiming for a robust introduction into the junior competitive scene.
In the men’s competition, Kazanecki will represent the U.S., marking his climb through the ranks after securing his first Junior Grand Prix medal earlier this season. Meanwhile, female competitors Rachel Samiri and Alayna Coats both make their Junior Grand Prix introductions after sharing the podium at the Robin Cousins Cup earlier this year.
The competition unfolds with short programs for the women and men on Thursday, and transitions into ice dance on Friday, followed by the women’s free skate. Saturday will conclude with the men’s free skate and free dance performances.
Figure skating fans can catch all the action live on the ISU YouTube channel, as the U.S. hopes to shine brightly in this storied series with historical roots dating back to 1997.
In this season’s journey through talent and ambition, the U.S. Junior National Team is poised to inspire hope and excitement as they venture into the final stretch of the Junior Grand Prix Series.
