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Miami captures 1st U.S. medal at World Champ

The Miami University Sychronized Skating Team performs in the 2007 International World Championships in London, Ontario. The 'Hawks brought home the first silver medal for the United States. (The Post)
The Miami University Sychronized Skating Team performs in the 2007 International World Championships in London, Ontario. The 'Hawks brought home the first silver medal for the United States. (The Post)

Trish Engelman

The Miami University Sychronized Skating Team performs in the 2007 International World Championships in London, Ontario. The 'Hawks brought home the first silver medal for the United States. (The Post)

"Silver has never looked so good," was the team's consensus Saturday evening, as the Miami University senior synchronized skating team made United States history when they placed second in the 2007 International Skating Union World Championship in London, Ontario.

After placing third in the short program Friday, the RedHawks posted the second-highest score of 198.71 in Saturday's free skate to become the first U.S. team to win a medal at the ISU World Championships.

"It was an unbelievable experience," said senior Jenna King. "Knowing that we had represented our country and made history was something we have worked our whole careers for."

Miami trailed Sweden's Team Surprise who recorded a score of 222.24, and followed up on last season's fourth place finish.

Miami and Team Surprise were the only two teams to place in the top three for both the short and free skate program. The Red and White placed above Canada's Nexxice, United State's Haydenettes and Finland's Team Unique, who rounded out the overall top five.

"For Miami to be the only U.S. team to medal at the World Championships is really a testament to all of the hard work put in by the skaters and coaches," said Assistant Coach Carla DeGirolamo.

The RedHawks have seen a great deal of change since the 2005-06 season. Narrowing their team from 20 to 16 skaters has put more emphasis on each individual, which has ultimately forced the RedHawks to capitalize on their talent.

The RedHawks prepared for a solid month before appearing with a new routine at the World Championship.

"Our choreographer worked so hard and came out with a long program that was truly amazing," said Head Coach Vicki Korn.

The long program was the reason behind Miami's catapult from third to second place. Perhaps another reason for their success can be attributed to their intense practices, which required dedication and undivided attention from each skater.

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"It was our mental attitude every day at practice that contributed to our win," King said. "It is what every single skater brought to the ice."

The RedHawks' victory in Ontario represents everything they have been working toward in their years at Miami. In the past seven years, the RedHawks have earned a spot in the World Championships five times, finishing fourth last year before this year's medal-winning performance.

"People have begun to look at us more seriously," said senior skater Ashley Diederich. "Our accomplishments over the years have put Miami on the map, and as a senior there is no better way to go out than winning a medal at worlds."

The leadership on Miami's team is something the RedHawks will truly miss next year as they graduate nine seniors from the team. However, the potential of the younger classes looks promising.

The Miami senior synchronized skating team conquered a longstanding goal that has never been accomplished by any other team in the nation.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the images of Miami's victory, which flood the Internet, can speak for themselves.

"Seeing our team up on the podium receiving their medals is picture we are all going to cherish for the rest of our lives," Korn said. "It cannot be forgotten."