Skating

Still dominant, Kwan ties record with 9th national title

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 16, 2005

PORTLAND, Ore. - Michelle Kwan held up nine fingers and grinned at the camera. She has her place in history, a run as impressive for its longevity as its dominance.

Kwan won her ninth title at the U.S. Championships on Saturday, tying Maribel Vinson for the record. She earned four 6.0s, giving her 42 at nationals in the illustrious career that began more than a decade ago as a tiny 12-year-old not old enough to wear makeup.

Now 24, Kwan is one of the most recognizable faces in the world. But she's as dominant as she has always been, with no one in the United States coming close to challenging her.

Certainly not Sasha Cohen, who once again failed to come through when it mattered. She finished second after botching two jumps and was lucky to finish ahead of up-and-comer Kimmie Meissner, who made history herself with the first triple axel by a U.S. woman since Tonya Harding.

Earlier, Johnny Weir overcame the jitters to defend his title with a free skate that earned him five 6.0s for presentation.

"As much as I didn't think it would affect me, it is harder coming in as the defending champion," he said. "I'm just completely floored and thrilled and anything possible good because I was able to harness my nerves."

Skating to Otonal, Weir demonstrated a full range of perfectly executed triple jumps.

Timothy Goebel finished second and Evan Lysacek third.

Weir landed all of his jumps with lightness and ease. His scores ranged from 5.8 to 5.9 for technical prowess, as well as the five perfect scores for artistry.

It was the most perfect scores at nationals among the men since Brian Boitano had eight 6.0s for artistry in 1988.

"Sixes are great. They're very cool. But you know, as far as the artistic side of the program, I know I have skated it better in the past," he said. "If the judges wanted to give me 6.0s, that was their choice and I'm down with that."

[Last modified January 16, 2005, 00:34:19]