Reigning U.S. junior ice dance champions Hana Maria Aboian and Daniil Veselukhin triumphed at the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series held in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 9 to September 13. The duo secured the gold medal after delivering stellar performances, contributing to a successful outing for the U.S. Junior National Team, which garnered a total of three medals during the competition at the IWIS International Training Center.
Aboian and Veselukhin made a significant impact by winning both the rhythm and free dance segments. Their rhythm dance to “Vogue” by Madonna was particularly electrifying, scoring 61.00 points. The performance included impressive sequential twizzles worth 8.94 points, followed closely by a midline step sequence that earned 9.66 points. The pair’s free dance showcased an emotionally charged performance set to “Hymnus Orbis,” “Salvation For a Proud Nation,” and “Surrender to Hope,” featuring a strong combination lift that achieved the highest score of the event at 12.79 points. Their midline step sequence in this segment added another 9.29 points. Remarkably, Aboian and Veselukhin received positive grades of execution for both programs, solidifying their strength as a well-coordinated team since joining forces in December 2023.
Their teammates at the event, Michelle Deych and Ryan Hu, also performed commendably, finishing fourth overall with an international personal best score of 137.47, which marked their best performance in the Junior Grand Prix circuit. Deych and Hu achieved all positive grades of execution, posting a rhythm dance score of 31.44 points that included a Level 4 designation for their rotational lift. Their free skate, accompanied by music from “The Four Seasons,” featured two Level 4 lifts.
Patrick Blackwell, who captivated the audience, earned the silver medal, marking his second career medal in the Junior Grand Prix Series. Blackwell achieved a total score of 212.17, completing his short program to “Uprising” by Muse with four triple jumps, including a triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination worth 11.62 points. His free skate, set to “Silent Guardian” and “Warriors,” included a quad toe-triple toe combination that garnered 15.60 points, making it the highest-scoring element of the competition. He also successfully executed a triple Axel-double Axel sequence.
Sofia Jarmoc and Luke Witkowski brought home the bronze medal in pairs, marking their first podium finish in the Junior Grand Prix. Their overall score reached 149.66, with a short program score of 55.00 that showcased a Level 3 Axel lasso lift. Their free skate, featuring two Level 4 lifts, received a score of 94.66 and highlighted their artistic presentation.
In the women’s event, Jessica Jurka and Emilea Nemirovsky represented the U.S., finishing 10th and 11th respectively in their Junior Grand Prix debuts. Jurka’s free skate included a notable triple Lutz-double Axel-double Axel sequence, whereas Nemirovsky, a decorated athlete, started both her programs with a triple Lutz-triple toe combination.
Overall, the competition in Thailand highlighted the growing talent within the U.S. Junior National Team as they continue to gain valuable international experience on the ice. For full results from the Junior Grand Prix in Thailand, fans and followers can check the 2025 Junior Grand Prix Series Competition Central.
