CLEVELAND — The results flashed and Jeremy Abbott jumped to his feet, holding up both index fingers.
No doubt about it, Abbott's No. 1.
Abbott won his first title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships Sunday, ending the five-year stranglehold that Evan Lysacek and Johnny Weir have had on the top spot. It's the second major title in as many months for Abbott, after the Grand Prix final in December.
Abbott finished with 241.89 points, more than 13 points ahead of training mate Brandon Mroz. Lysacek, winner of the last two U.S. titles, dropped to third after a surprisingly conservative and faulty program. An even bigger disappointment was Johnny Weir, who was fifth after two dismal performances and could miss worlds for the first time since 2003.
"I completely take primary ownership of my illness and the fact I wasn't prepared," said Weir, whose preparation was compromised by a severe case of the flu over the holidays. "But at the same time, I can't push myself and expect something that I know is impossible."
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For Abbott, anything seems possible these days.
He was the U.S. junior champion in 2005, and his talent was never in question. But he was often overlooked because of his inconsistency.
But Abbott turned these nationals into his personal party. With just about everybody complaining that the new judging system has stripped skating of all of its beauty and artistry, Abbott showed that it can still be done.
His program didn't have the most difficult jumps — skating last, he didn't need to do the quad and he didn't take the risk — but just as Alissa Czisny showed in winning the women's title, there's more to skating than jumps. It takes heart and soul and emotions, and Abbott displayed all three.
Of course, it's easier to do when you're trying to climb rather than stay on top. Just ask Lysacek.
Lysacek has said repeatedly that defending the national title is the hardest thing he's ever had to do, and it showed on the ice. He was way too tentative, trying to hold onto that title instead of win it all over again.
When he finished, he looked more relieved than happy.
Mroz was ecstatic with his finish. Though this is his first season at the senior level, he already looks like a steely veteran.
After finishing seventh in the short program, Weir needed a fantastic performance Sunday to have a shot at the world team. Instead, he appeared to just be going through the motions with it.
Weir blamed his performances on his shortened preparation after his bout with the flu. He lost 8 pounds in a single day while ill.
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