The volume on the television. The seat number, section and row that her father occupies at the rink. Youname it ? it has to be an even number.
Kimmie Meissner and her father have a superstition about even numbers. But her performance and hopes for her first U.S. Figure Skating title rest on her ability to nail the odd jumps ? the triples.
On Thursday night, Meissner landed a triple Lutz-triple toe combo that vaulted her to the top of the leaderboard at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Wash.
The Bel Air resident and Fallston High senior sits at 65.69 points, a three-point cushion over her nearest competitor. Bebe Liang recorded a 62.66, while Olympian Emily Hughes is in third at 62.32.
Having already won the World Championships in March 2006, Meissner would love to add a U.S. championship title to her budding résumé. Meissner won the 2004 U.S. junior title and took bronze in 2005 before earning silver last January.
“The national title would be great,” Meissner told the Associated Press. “In the United States, that?s the big thing. I?ve always been going for that. I?d be happy with that. Now the short?s over with ? one more step.”
In today?s free skate, Meissner will skate 19th in a group of 21. She will be the fourth skater in the final group, with Hughes and Liang to follow. The event can be seen live from 4 to 6 p.m. on ABC.
Hughes turned in a solid performance after taking third in last year?s event. Meissner took the ice immediately after and upped the ante.
“She took the momentum and off she went,” former Olympian Kurt Browning said on the ESPN2 telecast.
This year?s event opened without the same fanfare as the 2006 event. Last season?s national championships were surrounded with the constant references to the absence of nine-time champion Michelle Kwan. And, in an Olympic year, last year?s event determined the U.S. national team roster.
This year?s event, without any previous champions, is for prestige alone.
“It?s really different because there is no national champion here,” Meissner said. “That?s why this year is really exciting.”
KIMMIE ON TV
» What: U.S. Nationals senior ladies free skate
» When: Today, 4 p.m.
» Where: ABC
