Next-Level Quadruple Jumps: Figure Skating Rising Star Choi Ha-bin Claims Comeback Gold After Ranking 5th in Short Program

16-year-old figure skating rising star Choi Ha-bin soared in brilliant fashion to capture a dramatic come-from-behind gold medal at the Junior Grand Prix.

After finishing fifth in the short program due to a jumping error, Choi performed effortlessly to the soundtrack of Pirates of the Caribbean in the free skate, stringing together high-difficulty jumps.

Choi drew admiration right from the first element with a quadruple lutz-triple toe loop combination jump, followed smoothly by a solo quadruple lutz.

It marked the execution of the quadruple lutz twice in a single program, a feat Choi first achieved as a Korean skater last season.

Continuing with a quadruple toe loop, Choi successfully landed three opening quadruple jumps in a row, raking in an impressive 41.53 points from just the first three jumping elements alone.

Receiving the highest level for both subsequent spins, Choi secured positive GOE (Grade of Execution) across all jumping elements in the bonus-point-yielding second half, including a triple axel sequence, a solo triple axel, and a triple lutz.

As the breathtaking routine concluded with a choreographic sequence matched to the dynamic music, the audience erupted into a standing ovation, and the local broadcast commentators poured out praise.

[ISU Broadcasters: It is hard to find the words to describe what we just saw. Phenomenal, stunning, unbelievable. Whatever you want to call it, it is more than that.]

Reminded by the overwhelming jump rotation speed, the commentary team brought up current top American star Ilia Malinin.

[ISU Broadcasters: That has got to be the fastest rotation of any skater, junior or senior. You cannot help but think of Ilia Malinin, but Choi Ha-bin's rotation speed is incredible as well.]

Waiting for the scores with a bright expression, Choi shared the joy upon the announcement of a free skate score of 170.20 and a total of 246.41, celebrating alongside coaches Choi Hyeong-gyeong and Kim Na-hyun, who cheered even louder.

[ISU Broadcasters: The skater still cannot believe it. A total score of 246.41. Covering the face, bumping fists, and pouring out pure joy in the Kiss and Cry zone.]

Breaking personal bests by 15.77 points in the free skate and 14.22 points overall, Choi leaped from fifth place in the short program straight to first place overall, claiming the second Junior Grand Prix gold medal of a career following the sixth event of last season.

[Choi Ha-bin / National Figure Skating Junior Team: I will work even harder to achieve good results at the upcoming fourth Junior Grand Prix in Türkiye so that I can make it to the Junior Grand Prix Final. Thank you so much for all your support.]

Competing alongside, Lee Jae-geun placed second with 229.77 points, completing a sweep of the gold and silver medals for South Korean skaters.

Lee claimed the silver medal at the same venue two years later, fluttering the Taegeukgi alongside Choi Ha-bin at the arena in Riga, Latvia.

(Video Editing: Park Gi-deok, Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.