U.S. Figure Skating Statement Regarding Tragedy in Paris, Remainder of Trophee Bompard Cancelled

U.S. Figure Skating is deeply saddened by Friday's tragic events in Paris. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families and the people of France.

We fully support the decision of French authorities to cancel the remaining portion of the 2015 Trophee Bompard event in Bordeaux, France.

U.S. Figure Skating is working with the ISU, the French Federation of Ice Sports and local authorities to ensure the quick and safe return of Team USA.

The Minister of Interior Affairs of France, Bernard Cazeneuve, and the Mayor of Bordeaux, Alain Juppe, have informed the French Figure Skating Federation (FFSG) that the competition at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event ”Trophee Eric Bompard 2015” in Bordeaux has to be cancelled due to the state of emergency and national mourning days in France.

The International Skating Union (ISU) has acknowledged the decision.

The International Skating Union and the French Figure Skating Federation express their deepest sympathy to the victims of the despicable terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13.

SCIMECA AND KNIERIM TO REPRESENT TEAM USA AT 2013 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Denney and Coughlin to Sit Out Remainder of Season

U.S. Figure Skating announced today that Alexa Scimeca and Chris Knierim will represent Team USA at the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships March 10-17, 2013, in London, Ontario, Canada.

Scimeca and Knierim, the 2013 U.S. silver medalists, were the first alternates for a spot on the World Team. They withdrew from the 2013 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships because Scimeca was experiencing right foot pain. Upon her return to Colorado Springs, where the team is based, Scimeca was evaluated and cleared to continue training.

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin, the 2012 U.S. pairs champions, were named to the World Team at the 2013 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships in late January. Coughlin underwent successful surgery in December to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. They have not competed since winning the bronze medal at 2012 Rostelecom Cup in November. The team submitted a petition to U.S. Figure Skating to be considered for the World Team despite not competing at the U.S. Championships, the final qualifier for the event.

"In staying true to our goals of representing the United States at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, Caydee and I have decided to take this opportunity to get a jump start on our 2013-14 campaign," Coughlin said. "Recovery has gone better than we could have imagined and we are grateful to our families and coaches, Dr. Philippon and the medical team at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. Their tireless work alongside U.S. Figure Skating has made it possible for us to approach the upcoming season with a clean slate."

Felicia Zhang and Nate Bartholomay, the 2013 U.S. bronze medalists, are the first alternates to the World Team. Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier, who placed fifth at the U.S. Championships and will compete at the 2013 World Junior Championships, are second alternates to the World Team.

Team USA will also be represented by 2013 U.S. pairs champions Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir in London. They won bronze at Four Continents and are set to make their World Championships debut. All four U.S. champions, including Ashley Wagner (ladies), Max Aaron (men's) and Meryl Davis and Charlie White (ice dance) will also compete.

U.S. FIGURE SKATING ANNOUNCES DESTINATION SOCHI

Gracie Gold

U.S. Figure Skating announced details for Destination SochiTM, a 14-month program with the mission of "promoting U.S. Figure Skating through association with the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia." The 2014 Olympics are scheduled for Feb. 7-23, 2014, in the Russian resort town.

The program will feature multiple development campaigns, several member and club initiatives, a digital presence, a series of special events and more.

"We are excited to kickoff Destination Sochi as our athletes, fans and country look forward to the 2014 Olympic Winter Games," U.S. Figure Skating Executive Director David Raith said. "We hope to increase awareness of our sport and highlight the accomplishments of our world-class athletes through this multi-faceted program."

Destination Sochi features two major development initiatives, the Family Tree Program and the $20.14 Program, which will be unveiled during the 2013 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

All proceeds from the Destination Sochi Family Tree Program will directly support the families of each figure skating Olympian, helping to make their trips to Sochi possible. For each contribution, donors will receive a digital badge to display their support of Team USA and the Family Tree program across various social media