Mariah Bell tops figure skating nationals short program; Gracie Gold surprises

The two oldest skaters produced the most memorable performances of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships women’s short program.

Mariah Bell, a 25-year-old bidding to be the oldest U.S. Olympic women’s singles skater in 94 years and the oldest national champion in 95 years, tallied a leading 75.55 points with a triple flip-triple toe loop combination.

“I had chills,” Bell, eyeing her first title in her ninth senior nationals, said on USA Network. “I have this part of me that’s just, like, so gritty. When I really need to do something, I can tap into it.” Read More