An up-and-coming figure skater from Richmond won gold in a U.S. national championship qualifier this past weekend.
Liam Kapeikis, 17, with the Richmond Connaught Skating Club, competed and placed first in the senior men's free skate category in the U.S. Championship Qualifying Series.
According to Keegan Murphy, director and coach at Connaught Skating Club, Kapeikis did an amazing job considering it is his first time competing as a senior and that he will gain a lot of experience in the U.S. National Championships.
“It will be a great experience for his future development being at nationals this year, especially during an Olympic year,” said Morgan, adding that Kapeikis will be amongst the top skaters fighting for a spot at the Beijing Olympics.
“Just having Liam there (at the U.S. Nationals) this year and…being part of that event will (help equip him) with the mental skills (he’ll need) four years from now when he is fighting for the spot in the Olympics in 2026.”
Kapeikis scored a total of 215 points, which included landing a triple axel in both his short and long programs during the qualifiers.
The 2022 United States Figure Skating Championships will be held in Nashville this coming January.
