Top women's and men's contenders at the U.S. Championships, today through Jan. 10 in Atlanta:
WOMEN
MICHELLE KWAN, 23: Seven-time U.S. champion is back after being a near-recluse in the fall. Skated in two invitationals, but skipped the Grand Prix series. A similar light schedule didn't hurt her last year. Followed sixth straight U.S. title with fifth world championship. ... A championship this week would be seventh straight, longest win streak in U.S. women's history. Another world title would give her the most by any U.S. woman. ... Kwan might not have the tough tricks some of the sprites do, but no one matches her artistry and grace when she's on. ... To keep up with the mighty mites, she left coach Scott Williams to work with jump specialist Rafael Arutunian.
SASHA COHEN, 19: Nationals might seem like a vacation after the tumultuous past two weeks. After her second straight loss, Cohen split with Tatiana Tarasova and began working with Robin Wagner, Sarah Hughes' former coach. ... Was dazzling early in the season, winning every Grand Prix series event she entered - Skate America, Skate Canada and Lalique Trophy - and beating Michelle Kwan for the first time at an invitational. But she lost her past two competitions and didn't look good doing it, again raising the question whether she can come through when it counts. ... Her free skate to Swan Lake is the perfect showcase for her exquisite artistry.
ANN PATRICE McDONOUGH, 18: Last year's world junior champ has struggled this season. She and coach Tom Zakrajsek split in July, but she soon returned. Finished fourth at Cup of China, her only Grand Prix event, and was sixth at International Figure Skating Challenge invitational. ... Missed a Grand Prix event in Russia because of a leg injury. ... Fourth at 2003 nationals.
JENNIFER KIRK, 19: Won her first silver in a Grand Prix event at Skate America. Was fourth at NHK Trophy. ... A former ballerina - danced in the Boston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker four times - Kirk projects delicate beauty on the ice. But don't let the gentle exterior fool you. She landed seven triples in her free skate at Skate America, including a triple-triple combination. ... The 2000 world junior champion. ... Fifth at nationals in 2003.
TIMOTHY GOEBEL, 23: Olympic bronze medalist had rough 2003 because of equipment trouble that kept him from practicing his trademark quadruple jumps and caused problems during footwork and spins. ... Won Cup of China. Finished second at NHK Trophy. ... Despite shortened seasons the past two years (hip injury sidelined him much of last season), comes through when it matters, winning back-to-back silvers at worlds. ... Looking to improve on last year's nationals. The "Quad King" didn't land a single quadruple in free skate, falling on quad salchow and quad toe loop and stepping out of a quad toe. Finished second to Michael Weiss. ... No American man matches his technical ability; his artistry has improved since he began working with coach Frank Carroll three years ago.
MICHAEL WEISS, 27: Putting off retirement another year, three-time U.S. champion fast is becoming skating's Energizer Bunny. ... Took advantage of new, points-based scoring system tested in Grand Prix series to win Skate America. Though he was second to Takeshi Honda in free skate, won the event because he built big lead in short program. ... Third at Lalique Trophy, fourth at Cup of Russia, third at Grand Prix final. ... Has a free skate to a patriotic medley that could be a crowd pleaser.
EVAN LYSACEK, 18: Enters nationals on a roll with wins in his past three events. Won junior Grand Prix events in Japan and Croatia, then took Junior Grand Prix final title. But will that success carry over to senior level? ... Second at world juniors, his second silver there. ... Has won U.S. titles at the juvenile, novice and junior levels. ... At 5 feet 11, is tall for a skater. ... Graduated from high school last year.
RYAN JAHNKE, 25: Surprise bronze medalist at last year's nationals. ... Was solid seventh after short program at worlds, but had a rough free skate and dropped to 13th. ... Was last at Skate America, but made a rebound of sorts to finish sixth at Skate Canada.
