Alexa Knierim was in tears after she and Brandon Frazier finished their U.S. Figure Skating Championships pairs’ short program.
“I already cried once I got off the kiss and cry,” area where skaters receive scores, Knierim said minutes later. “All positive emotions of course.”
Knierim, an Olympian and three-time national champion with her now-retired husband, Chris, and new partner Frazier hit their nationals debut together in Las Vegas.
They lead by a significant 6.16 points going into Saturday’s free skate, taking the driver’s seat for one of two U.S. pairs’ spots at March’s world championships.