A Look Back at 2008 Skate America

After 10 years, Skate America is returning to Everett, Washington, for the inaugural stop on the 2018 ISU Grand Prix Series of Figure Skating from Oct. 19-21. 2008 Skate America showcased the top figure skating stars at the time and the young names that have become staples in the sport today. Here's a recap of some key players and top moments of Team USA in 2008.
   

1. This event showcased the then-powerhouses of U.S. men's figure skating with Johnny Weir and Evan Lysacek, who finished second and third respectively. In 2010, Lysacek, as we all know, went on to become Olympic champion in Vancouver and was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2016. Since retiring from competition, Weir, a three-time U.S. champion and two-time Olympian, has joined forces with Olympic champion Tara Lipinski to become NBC's dynamic commentating duo.
    
   
2. Before he was an Olympic Team Event bronze medalist, Adam Rippon made his senior Grand Prix debut in Everett after finishing his junior career with the World Junior and U.S. junior titles. Today, the 2016 U.S. champion—sans curls or straightened hair—has taken the world by storm with a Dancing with the Stars mirror ball under his belt on top of his skating accolades.
    
   
3. Everett was also the site of Mirai Nagasu's senior Grand Prix debut with a fifth-place finish. Nagasu moved up to the senior level nationally the season prior and became the second youngest U.S. champion when she won the title in January. In the 2008-09 season, Nagasu moved up to the senior level internationally and finished fourth at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010. Eight years later, she became the first U.S. woman to land a triple Axel at the Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.
    
   
4. Evan Bates came onto the senior international scene with former partner Emily Samuelson in Everett. They finished fourth at the event and went on to make their first trip to the Olympics in 2010. Bates teamed up with Madison Chock in 2011, which has resulted in two more trips to the Olympics in 2014 and 2018, six consecutive U.S. medals and two World medals.
    
   
5. U.S. favorites Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto added to their illustrious career with their sixth consecutive Skate America medal. They kicked off their second-to-last competitive season by winning silver in Everett. During their 10-plus year partnership, Belbin and Agosto became one of the most successful American ice dance teams, winning either the gold or silver medal at U.S. Championships for nine years (2001-2008, 2010), earning silver at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games and placing fourth at the 2010 Games.
    
6. Everett loves figure skating! The 2008 event set the all-time Skate America attendance record, which still stands to this day, with over 29,400 people.