Colorado Springs, Colo. (Aug. 10, 2012) – Evan Lysacek, the 2010 Olympic champion, announced this morning on NBC’s “TODAY” his plans to return to competitive figure skating after a two-season layoff. U.S. Figure Skating confirms that Lysacek has completed the necessary paperwork and is set to compete at 2012 Hilton HHonors Skate America. The opening event of the 2012 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, Skate America will take place Oct. 19-21, at the ShoWare Center in Seattle/Kent, Wash.
Lysacek, 2009 World champion and two-time U.S. champion, will compete for the first time since earning the 2010 Olympic title in Vancouver. He continues to train with longtime coach Frank Carroll.
“I am returning to competitive skating with the ultimate goal of representing the U.S. at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi and successfully defending my Olympic title,” Lysacek said. “I'm excited that my first competition back will be at 2012 Hilton HHonors Skate America. Kicking off my return on home soil will make it even sweeter."
Since winning the seventh men’s Olympic title in U.S. history, Lysacek has garnered honors, including being named the 2010 USOC Sportsman of the Year and receiving the 2010 Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the U.S. In April, Lysacek was appointed a sports envoy by the U.S. Department of State, a position in which he engages overseas youth in positive dialogue on the importance of education, positive health practices and respect for diversity. In 2010, Lysacek was runner-up on the 10th season of “Dancing with the Stars” and served as a spokesman for U.S. Figure Skating’s highly acclaimed film RISE. He has participated in domestic and international skating shows, made numerous TV and red carpet appearances and participated in several philanthropic events since his last competition.
U.S. Figure Skating also added pairs team Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir and ice dancing team Anastasia Cannuscio and Colin McManus to finalize a Skate America roster that features all four reigning U.S. champions. Ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White, four-time reigning U.S. champions, will lead Team USA as they look for their third consecutive Skate America title.
Share