2005 US Figure Skating Championships were the national figure skating championships of the United States for the 2004-05 season. Its results determined the skaters who would qualify for the 2005 World Championships, 2005 Four Continents Championships, and 2005 World Junior Championships, in addition to influencing the selection process for the 2005-06 Grand Prix and 2005-06 Junior Grand Prix series. It was held at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon for the novice, junior, and senior skaters, and at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown, New York for the juvenile and intermediate skaters.
Ladies' podium from left to right: Jennifer Kirk, Michelle Kwan, Kimmie Meissner, and Sasha Cohen
Michelle Kwan won the ladies event, receiving four 6.0s in the process. This is Kwan's ninth ladies title, tying the record with Maribel Vinson Owen.
Kimmie Meissner attempted a triple Axel in her performance. Many media gave her credit for it, but as of Sunday morning there was no word if USFSA would formally ratify it. It appeared to us in the performance and in the replay that the jump was pre-rotated on the takeoff (a big 1/4 turn skid entering) and cheated more than 1/4 turn on the landing. So we call the jump more than 1/2 turn cheated, even though she came a lot closer than several of the men this week. The first (and only from our point of view) U.S. lady to land a triple Axel in competition was Tonya Harding in 1991.
Johnny Weir
Johnny Weir won the Men's event, successfully defending his title. Just 7 more to go to catch up to Kwan!