Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue are in first place after their rhythm dance and need 117.18 points in order to win the Skate America crown. Their personal best is 127.31, so regarding this number if they perform their best they are more than capable of winning the title. They are the two time U.S. champions and two time U.S. world medalists. Their choice of music is peaceful and light, which matches their skating style. Unfortunately, because of COVID, no one is allowed to be in the audience so the club decided to add cardboard images of faces in the audience.
Their first element in their free skate is a rotational lift that they received a level 4 on. The base value of this lift is 5.30 and they received a bonus GOE of 1.37. Their one foot steps received a level 3 and a level 4. They each got a different value. The base value for this is 6.47, and they received a bonus GOE of 2.42. They transitioned into a curve lift and another curve lift combo that each received a level 3. The base value for this is 9.10, but they received a bonus of 3.97. Their combination spin that was held in each position for the amount of rotations needed for a level 4 spin. Bonus points were also rewarded for this spin. They had a base value of 6 points and plus 1.5 points. Next came their twizzles that they each received a level 4 on. Their base value was 6.84 and their GOE is 2.90. They do a gorgeous transition that matched the music into a midline step sequence. They were perfectly in sync with one another when doing their footwork. They received a level 3 and a GOE of 2.90. Furthermore, they did a choreographic slide that received a level 1 and a GOE of 3.60. Then they slowed down to go into a beautiful choreographic lift that had a base value of 1.10. They received 2.49 extra as bonus points for that lift.
The two of these skaters cover the entire length of the rink when they perform together. Each performance they do when they are on the ice is emotional, light, and airy. Their artistry is seen every time the two of these skaters are performing together. When these two skate to something softer, it is easier to see every line that they create during their performance. It is evident to see their improvements from last season’s performances. Each year, this team tends to do a new program and choreography that better improves their skating style and emotion. The twizzle sequence and lifts were perfectly in timing with the music and counts. This was an incredible improvement from last years performance. Their technical element score for their performance was 69.79, program component score was 56.30. Their total score received was 126.09. Their rythm dance received 85.30 points and their free dance received 126.09. Their total for the competition is 211.39, this puts them in 1st place in Skate America.
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