Von Felten, Kazanecki Claim Bronze at Junior Grand Prix Turkey
The U.S. Junior National Team made a stunning impact at the Junior Grand Prix in Ankara, Turkey, as Sophie Joline von Felten and Lucius Kazanecki secured bronze medals in their respective events. This weekend showcased the brilliance of junior figure skating as Von Felten celebrated her second career podium finish, while Kazanecki marked an impressive milestone with his first Junior Grand Prix medal.
Von Felten, the reigning U.S. junior women’s champion, delivered an exceptional performance in the short program, showcasing her technical skills and artistry. With her routine set to “I Will Never Abandon You” and “Cassiopeia,” she enhanced her score with a near-perfect execution of each element, including a triple Axel-triple toe loop combination that scored a remarkable 13.00 points. Her efforts led to a personal best short program score of 68.17.
However, in the free skate, Von Felten struggled with complex jumps, including two triple Axels and a quadruple Salchow. Despite facing challenges, her standout element in memory of those lost on Flight 5342 was a triple Lutz-double Axel-double Axel sequence, earning 12.57 points. Ultimately, she secured third place overall with a total score of 186.92 points, lowering her placement in the free skate but solidifying her presence on the podium.
In men’s singles, Kazanecki shone brightly in his first Junior Grand Prix appearance since 2022. With a splendid display at the competition, Kazanecki opened with impressive jumps, including a triple Lutz-triple toe loop that drew points from the judges. He achieved a total score of 202.67, shattering his personal best by over 30 points. Set to a passionate score of “Adios Nonino,” his program captivated the audience, showcasing skill and momentum.
Overall, U.S. athletes displayed remarkable talent in Turkey, with Sofia Bezkorovainaya finishing eighth and Pairs duo Reagan Moss and Jakub Galbavy falling just short of the podium. The athletes are poised for each upcoming competition as they establish themselves as rising stars in the world of figure skating.
