SEOUL, South Korea — In a stunning display of talent, local skater Kim Chae-yeon triumphed at the Four Continents figure skating competition held on Sunday, securing victory and preventing an American podium sweep. Kim showcased a remarkable free skate performance that helped her maintain the lead she established after the short program, achieving a season-best score of 148.36 and a total score of 222.38 points.
The United States’ Bradie Tennell closely followed, delivering an impressive free skate of her own, scoring 137.80 points and finishing with an overall total of 204.38, securing second place. Sarah Everhardt, another American competitor, came in third with a total score of 200.03, while her compatriot Alysa Lu finished just behind in fourth with a score of 198.55.
Kim’s captivating performance included an array of elements set to the music of “Whisperers from the Heart” and “Love Dance.” As the final skater of the event, she began her routine with a double axel, moving on to execute six flawless triple jumps that elicited cheers from the enthusiastic home crowd. Expressing her joy in achieving such a performance, Kim admitted, “I was a little nervous because I wanted to show my best for the home crowd and I am glad I was able to do that.” Her victory marks her as only the third South Korean skater to win the Four Continents title, following in the footsteps of Lee Hae-in in 2023 and the legendary Yuna Kim in 2009.
Defending champion Mone Chiba, who had been positioned second after the short program, faced difficulties during her free skate and ultimately fell to sixth place with a total score of 195.08. The 19-year-old skater began her routine with promise, executing a triple flip and a triple toeloop combination, but faltered on her triple salchow and a subsequent triple flip.
Tennell impressed with her performance to “Nessun Dorma,” opening with a strong triple lutz-triple toeloop combination and completing five additional triple jumps. Reflecting on her experience, the two-time US champion expressed, “I was really happy with my performance today because it’s been a long time since I’ve given a performance like that.” Moving up from fifth place, Tennell conveyed how significant it was to finish such a program after enduring challenges in previous seasons, stating, “There’s been a lot of frustration and tears this season and the past few seasons.”
Everhardt also had a noteworthy performance characterized by seven triple jumps, kicking things off with a solid triple lutz. “It’s my first ISU Championship,” the 18-year-old skater shared, noting that she appreciated the opportunity to participate in a major event and gain valuable experience. “I’m glad I was able to fight and show a good performance here,” she added, highlighting the competitive spirit of the occasion.
