2019 World Synchronized Skating Championships Wrap Up

by Katie Fiore

The 2019 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships held in Helsinki, Finland this past weekend was certainly one for the books. 24 teams representing 20 different countries had the honor to compete in front of a sold-out crowd. Many triumphant and innovative performances were witnessed, clearly indicating exponential growth for synchronized skating as a whole.

The Short Program: 4/12/2019

Team Paradise (RUS) won the short program event for the fourth year in a row with a beautiful balletic program set to Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor. They received a technical element score of 49.84 and a program component score of 37.28. A huge standout would be their highest scoring element, their no hold block 4 (NHE4+se4) for which they earned 9.01. Close behind was Marigold Ice Unity (FIN), who were only 0.08 behind Team Paradise (RUS) in their program component score and 1.14 away in their technical element score. Their contemporary #WhyNot themed program captivated the audience and scored 85.90. Third place in the short program was fan-favorites, Nexxice (CAN). Nexxice (CAN) was just below Marigold Ice Unity (FIN) in their technical element score as only 0.67 set them apart. Overall, they received a total short program score of 84.63. In addition, Nexxice (CAN) shared the highest scoring pivot block 4 element (9.01), with fourth place, Team Tartastan (RUS). In addition to obtaining one of the highest scoring elements of the evening, Team Tartastan (RUS) has diligently improved throughout the season. Their stunning ‘Ave Maria’ performance acquired a score of 82.83 and fourth place in the short program event.

Helsinki Rockettes (FIN), skating to a piece set to Hymn A Lamour, received a score of 82.12, putting them only 0.71 behind Tartastan (RUS) and 0.12 above Nova (CAN). Nova (CAN) have been trailblazers in this division and are quickly capturing the hearts of synchro fans worldwide. Their hypnotizing skate to “Paint It Black” put them in sixth after the short, proving they were certainly well in the mix for a top spot overall. Following was Team USA, Haydenettes and Skyliners, placing seventh and eighth respectively after the short. The Haydenettes (USA) showcased their mature and alluring “Cirque Du Soleil” piece confidently on the world stage. Despite an uncharacteristic fall, the Haydenettes (USA) received a score of 77.97, leaving room for improvement gained in their dynamic free program. Following close behind were Skyliners (USA), performing a powerful short program to a rendition of “What a Wonderful World”. Skyliners (USA) won the short program event at the 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National Championships and definitely rose to the occasion once again this past weekend. Skyliners (USA) surpassed Haydenettes (USA) by 0.30 in their technical element score and earned a total score of 76.23.

The remaining 16 teams placed as follows:

Free Program 4/13/2019:

After extremely close scores amongst the front-runners in the short program, a much anticipated free program event concluded the 2019 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships. Paradise (RUS) and Marigold Ice Unity (FIN) turned up the heat in this event, eager to determine which team would be our 2019 World Champions.

Paradise (RUS) struck gold and reclaimed their 2017 title this past Saturday by winning the event with a combined score of 234.38. The silver medal was awarded to Marigold Ice Unity (FIN), who ended with a combined score of 228.70 after a mind-blowing “Transformers” performance. Only 0.77 separated the two teams’ free program scores. The Helsinki Rockettes (FIN) placed third overall with a total score of 228.61, leaving them only a mere 0.09 beneath Marigold Ice Unity (FIN). The scores between these top three teams were beyond tight, showcasing the extreme talent and fierce competition amongst these nations.

Nexxice (CAN) performed a creative free program with a “Handmaidens Tale” theme. They earned a total score of 224.42, only 4.19 away from the bronze. The Haydenettes (USA) made a huge leap in their free program performance. Their “Greatest Showman” piece allowed them to advance to fifth place in the free, contrasting their seventh place finish in the short program. They were excited to earn a free program score of 138.57, aiding them to receive a total score of 216.54 and sixth place overall. Team Tartastan (RUS) surpassed the Haydenettes with their total score of 219.74, and ended in fifth overall. Skyliners (USA) placed seventh in the free program with a score of 127.83. Their emotional and breathtaking skate to “Turnadot” has only gained momentum throughout the season, making it a must-watch program. Skyliners (USA) ended in eighth overall, following Nova (CAN). Nova was just 0.82 behind Skyliners with their free program score of 127.01. Nova (CAN) fell to seventh place overall after placing sixth in the short and eighth in the free. Nova (CAN) has demonstrated immense improvement and truly made a strong impression this year.

Overall, the remaining 16 teams placed as follows: