U.S. Figure Skating Championships 2011 Schedule & Predictions

The 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships are scheduled for January 23-30 at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina. The annual event will start with the novice/junior competitions, followed by the men's and women's championships. The U.S. nationals are widely acknowledged as America's premier figure skating event. Notable U.S. champions include Scott Hamilton, Michelle Kwan, and Kristi Yamaguchi. This article previews the 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and offers predictions & schedule information.

1) U.S. Figure Skating Championships 2011: Men's Competition (Jan. 28 & 30)

With both Olympic champion Evan Lysacek and former U.S. titlist Johnny Weir choosing to skip this year's national championship, the men's competition is reduced to a two-man title race between defending champion Jeremy Abbott and Adam Rippon. Both skaters enjoyed a fine grand prix season, strongly contending at several events. Each will hope to start the new year right, with a victory at the 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Additionally, this event also serves as the last opportunity for American skaters to earn one of three available spots for worlds.

Colorado-native Jeremy Abbott is highly favored to extend his reign as U.S. national champion for at least one more year. Despite having world-class talents, Abbott has struggled to maintain consistency. When the defending champion is on, he is a huge threat to win any tournament he enters. But when he is not, he sometimes would collapse under pressure. Case in point, Jeremy turned in the performance of his life to win the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championship (defeating eventual Olympic champion Evan Lysacek) only to place a shocking 9th at the Olympics. Nonetheless, Abbott should still prevail (baring another shocking result) over a weak men's field in a non-Olympic year.

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Jeremy Abbott's closest competitor at the 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships is young Adam Rippon. The former world jr. champion, who joined the senior circuit in 2010, made quite an impression last year by winning the highly competitive Four Continents championship. Rippon is known for his amazing artistry, which includes difficult spins and the trademark Rippon Lutz. His biggest weakness to date has been his jumps. Unlike most of the top skaters, Rippon does not have a quad in his repertoire. With the new system rewarding skaters who attempt quads, this could be the one thing that will keep the youngster from seriously contending at the big events.

Prediction: Jeremy Abbott wins his third consecutive U.S. national title.

2) U.S. Figure Skating Championships 2011: Ladies Competition (Jan. 27 & 29)

A full field for the women is expected at the 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Most of the top U.S. skaters including defending champion Rachael Flatt, grand prix champion Alissa Czisny, Mirai Nagasu, and Ashley Wagner are expected to take part in the championship. Not only these ladies are vying for the national title, they are also competing for one of only two available spots for worlds. A victory or runner-up finish could go a long way to help seal a spot in the U.S. team.

The top favorite to win the women's competition is Alissa Czisny. The Ohio native enters this event on the heel of a fantastic 2010, in which she won two titles including the prestigious 2010 Grand Prix final. As a matter of fact, Czisny achieved her best-ever score at the aforementioned event. What makes this feat quite remarkable is the fact that she has recently changed coach, following a poor performance at last year's nationals that led to her not qualified for the Olympics. A coaching change tends to lead to slightly negative results in the early going. Yet, Czisny has enjoyed great improvement in a very short time. This is a true testament to her talent and dedication.

Another strong favorite to win the U.S. nationals is Rachael Flatt. The California native is one of the most consistent skaters in the world. In fact, Flatt's game is based entirely on consistency; she simply does not make major mistakes. Regrettably, skating judges generally don't have a favorable view of her presentation. Rachael's strong jumping ability is often offset by her perceived lack of artistry. As a result, Flatt usually has to win on others' mistakes rather than on her merits. This is unfortunate as she is one of the most skilled skaters out there.

Prediction: Alissa Czisny wins her second U.S. championship; Rachael Flatt will earn a spot for worlds.

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The 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships is set for January 23-30 at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina. The novice and junior competitions are scheduled for January 23-26. The main events are scheduled for January 27-30. NBC Sports will broadcast the ladies' and men's free skate live; Universal Sports will provide encore coverage of the pairs and free skates. Check local listings for exact dates and times.