events

Ten U.S. Athletes to Compete at 2011 JGP Estonia

icenetwork.com JGP Estonia event page

Joshua Farris (Photo by Paul Harvath)

(10/11/11) - The United States will send 10 skaters to JGP Estonia in Tallinn, Estonia. This is the final event of the International Skating Union (ISU) Junior Grand Prix (JGP) of Figure Skating Series before the Junior Grand Prix Final Dec. 8-11 in Quebec City, Canada. The top six points-earners from each discipline qualify for the Final.

The event, to be held at Premia Ice Rink, begins Thursday with the ladies, men's and pairs short programs. For full coverage, visit www.icenetwork.com.

Samantha Cesario looks for her second medal of the season after winning bronze at JGP Poland. She is joined by international newcomer Gracie Gold, who is the 2010 U.S. novice pewter medalist.


Joshua Farris, who won gold at JGP Poland, competes for his second medal of the season and a trip to the JGP Final. He placed sixth at the 2010 JGP Final. Shotaro Omori placed fourth at JGP Romania.

Britney Simpson & Matthew Blackmer became the first American pairs team since 2007 to win JGP gold with their title in Poland. Another medal will help them qualify for the JGP Final. Jessica Calalang & Zack Sidhu earned a fourth-place finish in Poland in their season-opening competition. Reigning U.S. novice bronze medalists Kaitlin Hawayek & Michael Bramante placed fourth in their international debut at JGP Romania.

Now in its 15th season, the JGP Series consists of seven international events in a cumulative point-scoring format. Approximately 400 athletes representing more than 35 countries are expected to participate in the series. Each athlete is eligible to score points in two of the seven scheduled events (pairs can compete in two of four designated events). The top six point-earners in each discipline qualify for the Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Dec. 8-11 in Quebec City, Quebec.