Jason Brown fans are gathering today at the Centennial Ice Arena in Highland Park to watch their hometown hero compete for an Olympic medal in the men's free skate competition.
Though Brown, 19, of Highland Park, finished sixth on Thursday in the short program, he was less than one point out of third place. Another 19-year-old, Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu is sitting in first after an electric performance made him the first to break 100points, with a score of 101.45.
Patrick Chan, of Canada, and Javier Fernandez, of Spain, are in second and third place, respectively.
Because the gap between Fernandez, who scored 86.98, and Brown, scoring 86, is so small, the Highland Park native could have a shot at the bronze medal.
Brown's popularity, at home and abroad, has soared in weeks leading up to this competition. His "Riverdance"-on-ice routine has thrilled skating fans, and hometown fans and those who know him talk about his humble and kind demeanor.
On Wednesday, a 10-foot ice sculpture of Brown was unveiled in downtown Highland Park. Likewise, signs of encouragement for him have sprung up throughout town.
Brown is the last scheduled skater in the men's free skate program today.
gtrotter@tribune.com | Twitter: @NorthShoreTrib
No comments:
Post a Comment