Four skating powerhouses' – men's skater
Alex Krasnozhon, pairs duo
Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson, and ladies skater
Amber Glenn are set to hit the ice this week in Salt Lake City for the 2019 U.S. International Figure Skating Classic.
Training is in full swing for 2017 U.S. junior champion – Krasnozhon, who says, "I feel at least 20 percent better than last year." No longer is he fighting the injuries the 2018-19 season brought, which has allowed him to get in prime shape during the off-season.
Expect both emotional and dramatic programs from Krasnozhon this season.
His short program is "Runaway" by Ramin Djawadi from the
West World soundtrack and "Freedom" by Pharrell Williams – a relatable piece for him when comparing the personal struggles he faced during immigration to the United States. "This piece comes from the heart because I have found freedom and have no more worries," notes Krasnozhon.
His free skate is a Dracula-inspired number, which will play to his darker side. With excitement, Krasnozhon acknowledges, "I like playing with the crowd and grabbing their attention and this program will allow me to get in full character."
Recently, Krasnozhon, Calalang and Johnson and Glenn snagged the final men's, pairs and ladies spots, respectively, for 2019 Skate America in Las Vegas presented by American Cruise Lines. Johnson notes, "We were excited when we got assigned Skate Canada [International], so for us this is the cherry on top." Krasnozhon adds, "Out of all the events I have ever been assigned, this is by far the most exciting."
Following last season, Krasnozhon says he's "adjusted his thinking to focus more on improving and not chasing assignments." This change in mindset has proven to be successful for him. He adds, "I am so excited and thankful for this opportunity. I know the energy of the crowd in Vegas will at an all-time high."
As for Calalang and Johnson, they enter their second year together as partners and are now training at the Great Park Ice and FivePoint Arena in Irvine, California. Calalang expresses, "The training environment here is very positive."
Beginning year two as a newer pair, their focus this season is to showcase bigger elements and more togetherness during their programs. "At Champs Camp the officials and judges recognized that so it's nice to know the hard work we put in during the off-season is showing," says Calalang.
Their short program is a new, fun style for the duo that features an instrumental
Game of Thrones-inspired medieval number to "Light of the Seven" composed by Ramin Djawadi. For their free skate they are skating to "You Are The Reason" by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis, which is what Calalang calls "a classical piece and more our style."
Having both had multiple previous partners, Calalang and Johnson agree that their dynamic together is different than anything they have had prior. "He's the ying to my yang," says Calalang. In agreeance Johnson adds, "We both have our strengths and weaknesses, but I think we complement each other well."
The duo will have a busy two weeks in October while competing back-to-back at Skate America and Skate Canada International where they will make their first Grand Prix debuts together as a pair – the very first for Johnson. Johnson acknowledges, "I am super excited. Even though they are close competitions, it's actually easier for me when we are traveling because all I have to focus on is skating."
Also hard at work, Texas native and 2014 U.S. junior champion Glenn will make her second Grand Prix appearance in Las Vegas come October where she will skate to "Scars" by Madilyn Bailey for her short program and "Gravity" by Sara Bareillis for her free skate.
"This year's programs really mean a lot to me because they tell a story," explained Glenn. "[My short] is originally a song by Papa Roach which is funny because that is a very punk song and I listened to it a lot when I was 13 and 14-years-old and I was having struggles with my mental health. Now being past all of that and being where I am today, getting to skate to something like that is really important to me. Then [my free skate is] about letting go and finally putting yourself first."
Heading into the International Classic, Glenn hopes to build confidence that will propel her through the season and help her at Skate America.
"I want to just keep building my confidence and have two more solid skates before I get to Vegas. I just want to put on a show. I am taking it one event at a time."
The action continues in Salt Lake City when all three skaters take the ice Saturday, Sept. 20. All competition will be streamed live and on-demand on the
Figure Skating Pass on NBC Sports Gold.
