Rachael to sign autographs on Olympic Day

June 15 , 2010 — The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) will pay tribute to its hometown Colorado Springs and to Olympic Day with a Community Appreciation Day Celebration on Saturday, June 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Rachael is among the athlete participants and will sign autographs from 12:30-2 p.m.

Community Appreciation Day is a free community event taking place at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (USOTC) on 1750 East Boulder Street (corner of Boulder & Union) will be fun for the whole family. The event will feature autograph sessions with 2010 U.S. Olympic Team medalists and other USOTC Olympic and Paralympic resident athletes, live sport demonstrations featuring 11 different sports including BMX, freestyle skiing aerialists, gymnastics and volleyball, the opportunity to take the U.S. Olympic 5-Ring Challenge at the 24 Hour Fitness booth, live bands, free Coca-Cola in special commemorative aluminum bottles and Coca-Cola Olympic T-shirts, prize giveaways, popcorn, balloons and face-painting, and a U.S. Olympic merchandise sale.

For more information, including a schedule of events, please click here.

Rachael competing in Japan, USA events

June 14 , 2010 — Rachael will compete for a third consecutive season on the Grand Prix circuit in 2010. On Sunday, the International Skating Union (ISU) announced the assignments, which Rachael received two of.

Rachael starts her season at NHK Trophy, Oct. 22-24, in Nagoya, Japan. She will also compete at Skate America, Nov. 12-14, in Portland, Ore. It is her third apperance at Skate America.

Rachael has two seasons of previous experience on the Grand Prix circuit. In 2008, she finished fourth at her season opening event, Skate America, and then took home the silver medal from Cup of Russia, making her the highest ranked American lady at the end of the series. She finished second at 2009 Skate America, although she won the free skate.

Rachael to attend Stanford University in 2011

April 28, 2010 — Rachael is the real deal when it comes to student athletes. The 2010 U.S. Champion will enter Stanford University in fall 2011, a year after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Rachael, who placed seventh at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, was also considering Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. but finally selected Stanford. No elite skaters currently attend Stanford but elite training facilities are located in near by areas including San Jose, host of the 2012 U.S. Championships.

Olympic bronze medalist Debi Thomas, also a U.S. Champion, is among the notable Stanford alumni. Other world class athletes who have attended the school include golfer Tiger Woods, swimmers Jenny Thompson, Summer Sanders and Pablo Morales, tennis players John McEnroe, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan and water polo players Tony Azevedo and Brenda Villa. Olympic gold and silver medalist softball player Jessica Mendoza, also the president of the Women's Sports Foundation, was a Cardinal.

A straight-A student who maintained a heavy course load of Advanced Placement classes, Rachael applied to nine schools: Dartmouth, University of Denver, Duke, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, Stanford, UCLA and Yale. She was accepted to all but Harvard, which put her on the wait list, and Duke.

Rachael is a member of U.S. Figure Skating Scholastic Honors Team, based on her success at Cheyenne Mountain, which honored her with the 2008 Athletic Excellence Award. Following her skating career, she is interested in pursuing the sciences — possibly biomechanical engineering, medical school and orthopedics.

Rachael excited to meet President, First Lady

Release courtesy of U.S. Olympic Committee

April 19, 2010 — The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic athletes of Team USA have received an invitation to visit the White House by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, and they will have the honor of meeting the first couple on Wednesday, April 21. Nearly 225 of the total 264 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic athletes will visit the nation’s capital where they will come together for one last time to celebrate their great achievements.

Team USA athletes have been visiting the White House since President Gerald Ford first invited the team in 1976 following the Montreal Games.  It’s an opportunity for the country and it’s leadership to formally recognize the Olympic and Paralympic athletes for representing their country with distinction on one of the world’s greatest stages.

Teamusa.org will have complete coverage of the event, and will be making on-the-spot updates and postings via Facebook and Twitter.  There will also be a live webcast of the President’s speech to the Olympians and Paralympians on April 21st from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. EDT, which can be viewed at www.teamusa.org.

As U.S. Olympic Committee CEO, Scott Blackmun stated, “President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and the entire White House staff have shown tremendous support for the Olympic Movement and for Team USA … Our athletes’ achievements in Vancouver were incredible both on and off the field of play, and we are thrilled to bring the excitement of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to Washington, D.C.”

Blackmun is not the only one who’s excited.  For a number of the athletes, this will be the first time they’ve experienced a visit to the White House.

“I’m obviously incredibly excited, especially to meet President Obama, and Michelle, and a couple other senators,” said Rachael, who finished 7th in her first Olympic venture. “It’s going to be a wonderful experience and I know all of the other athletes are looking forward to it.

“It’ll be probably one of the best experiences of my life.”

Flatt added she was a little sad to think about how this may be the last time all of the Vancouver athletes – her new friends – gather all in one place, but mentioned she hoped to at least stay in touch with most of them on a one-to-one basis.

In addition to visiting the White House, Team USA athletes will also take a tour of the Pentagon where they will meet Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and will meet with injured soldiers and marines at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.  The athletes will also visit with local school children and assist with the construction of a new home as part of the Habitat for Humanity project.

Rachael ends Olympic experience in seventh

February 25, 2010 — Rachael finished seventh at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada, with a personal best 182.49 points. It is her first Olympics.

Skating to "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Sergei Rachmaninov, Rachael landed five clean triple jumps, handing in a performance that brought the audience to their feet. Two of her triple jumps, the flip in the triple flip-triple toe and the flip in the triple flip-double toe-double loop, were unexpectedly downgraded, giving her credit for doubles.

"I was incredibly excited to have given two wonderful performances in my first Olympic Games," she said. "And it was such an exhilarating feeling, especially when the audience was reacting in such a positive way. It was great. I was little surprised, honestly, that both of my triple flips were downgraded. But it is just something to fix for the World Championships."

She scored a personal best 117.85 points for the free skate, surpassing the 116.11 points she scored en route to beating the now Olympic Champion Yu-Na Kim in the free skate at October's Skate America. Rachael's short program was also a personal best 64.64.

"I am having such a great time here that I feel like I never want to leave," Rachael said.

In a few days, Rachael will return to Colorado Springs, Colo., where she is a high school senior.

Rachael in fifth at 2010 Olympic Winter Games

February 23, 2010 — Rachael skated a personal best at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games on Tuesday, earning 64.64 points for her short program. She is currently in fifth place heading into Thursday's free skate.

“This was better than nationals, even though my score wasn't as good," said Flatt, who was third in the short program at the 2010 U.S. Championships with 69.35 points. "It’s a new personal best for me internationally. I had the time of my life."

Flatt landed a triple flip-triple toe to kick off her program to “Sing! Sing! Sing!” but later encountered problems on the triple Lutz, where a wonky landing cost her a point on the grade of execution. She continued right on track, landing a double Axel that earned her a positive grade of execution.

“It was a little shaky,” she said about the triple Lutz. “I got ahead of myself. I was having a little too much fun and had a little too much energy. It’s something I’ve got to keep in mind for the long: to stay calm but perform the program well.”

Flatt’s flying camel spin and change foot combination spin as well as her spiral sequence received a Level 4. Her straight line step sequence was a Level 3 but her layback spin, which came in the middle of her program, was a Level 2.

“I’m savoring each moment,” she said of her Olympic experience. “You never know if you’re going to have an opportunity like this again.”

Rachael nabs 'Athlete of the Month' honors

January 29, 2010 — Rachael has been named the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center "Athlete of the Month" for January 2010, OTC Athlete Services announced today.

A picture of Rachael will be posted on the first and second floor of the Athlete Center at the complex, noting her accomplishment of winning the 2010 U.S. Championship and qualifying for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada.

"There are so many amazing Olympic and Paralympic athletes who train in Colorado Springs so I am really honored to be an 'Athlete of the Month' for the OTC," Rachael said. "Thank you to Sherry Von Riesen, Terris Tiller and everyone in athlete services for this award and more importantly, all that they do everyday for the athletes in the Springs. I really appreciate all of the support they have given me throughout my career. I hope to make them proud in Vancouver."

As U.S. Champion, Rachael headed to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games

January 23, 2010 — For two years, Rachael has watched the U.S. Championships medal ceremony from the second spot on the podium. But in Spokane, Wash., Rachael finally stood atop the medal stand, following a record breaking performance that pushed her past 2008 U.S. Champion Mirai Nagasu, who led after the short program.

“I finally competed the way I've been training,” said Rachael, a 17-year-old high school senior at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colo. She scored a personal best in her third place short program Thursday and again Saturday to set a national record 200.11 points, becoming the first American lady to break 200, and besting the previous record mark of 199.18 that Sasha Cohen set in 2006.

Both Rachael and Nagasu are first time U.S. Olympians heading into the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada. “It’s a great time in my life – senior year in high school and now I’m making the Olympic team,” Flatt said.

She received 130.76 for her “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” free skate, which included seven triple jumps, highlighted by the triple flip-triple toe combination, and two Level 4 spins and a Level 4 spiral sequence. Her personal best short program also included a triple-triple.

When Flatt skates at the Olympics, nine colleges including Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Yale will be considering her application for fall 2010 admission.”Hopefully, they will take this into account,” joked Flatt, who is enrolled in four Advanced Placement courses despite her demanding training.

Rachael named to Scholastic Honors Team

January 22, 2010 — U.S. Figure Skating named Rachael to the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Scholastic Honors Team today. The team comprises 10 of U.S. Figure Skating's brightest and most talented athletes who shine both on the ice and in the classroom. Every athlete in this year's class has been named to the honor roll, won academic honors and/or is an honor society member.

This year's team was honored today during an on-ice ceremony at the 2010 AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Spokane, Wash. The program, which started in 1996, was created by U.S. Figure Skating to recognize high school athletes who excel in their academic pursuits, in their community involvement and in the sport of figure skating. More than 1,100 skaters have applied for the scholarship since its inception, with 158 team members selected.

The award is available to U.S. Figure Skating members of all disciplines who are juniors or seniors at an accredited high school. They must be full-time students with a grade point average of 3.4 or higher and have competed at the novice, junior or senior level during the past two years. Candidates submit an application and an essay, which are reviewed by a panel that selects the team.

Rachael sets short program personal best at the 2010 U.S. Championships

January 21, 2010 — Rachael recorded a personal best at the 2010 U.S. Championships in Spokane, Wash. Skating a personality filled program to "Sing! Sing! Sing!", Rachael scored 69.35 points, putting her in third place headed into the Saturday free skate.

Rachael, who beat 2009 World Champion Yu-Na Kim in the free skate at November’s Skate America, was one of only two women to do a triple-triple combination in the short program. She was a little swingy on the landing of the triple flip, the first jump in the combo.

“It’s probably one of the worst landings I’ve had on a triple-triple all week,” Flatt said. “My first two jumping passes were a little shaky, but I think I did a good job fighting for them.”

Rachael will skate second to last in the free skate Saturday. She follows 2006 U.S. Champion and Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen, who is currently in second place, and comes before 2008 U.S. Champion Mirai Nagasu, who is in the lead.

Rachael Flatt: 'I compete clean'

January 16, 2010 — Rachael is one of the faces for the new "I compete clean" campaign for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Other athletes are biathlete Tim Burke, women's hockey player Julie Chu, luger Erin Hamlin, speedskater Trevor Marsicano, wheelchair curler Augusto Perez and alpine skiier Lindsey Vonn, all 2010 Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls or team members.

"I complete clean because I'm true to myself," Rachael said in the public service announcement for USADA. In another she says, "It's really important to aspire to be the best you can be when it's just yourself, when it's just you and your sport. My name is Rachael Flatt and I complete clean."

She encourages athletes and coaches to take the pledge to compete clean or coach clean at www.usada.org/icompeteclean/take-pledge/.

NBC's Today Show features Rachael on Jan. 8

January 4, 2010 — Rachael is headed for the Big Apple. With about two weeks until she competes for a spot on the 2010 U.S. Olympic team, Rachael has been invited to skate in Rockefeller Center for the NBC's Today Show on Friday, Jan. 8. Check your local listings for details on how to catch Rachael's last live performance before nationals.

Rachael will randomly select one lucky fan who watched the Today Show to receive an autographed Ice Network trading card plus eight other unsigned cards featuring current and former American skating superstars. After watching her performance, fans are asked to answer a question about what she was wearing in order to be entered for the prize. The link to the entry form will be avaliable on this page for a short time after the performance.

USOC selects Rachael as an ambassador for Team for Tomorrow Fund

December 16, 2009 — Rachael has been named as one of the Athlete Ambassadors for the Team for Tomorrow Humanitarian Relief Fund. Launched by America’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) in 2008, Team for Tomorrow is continuing to make a difference for those in need around the world. The newest class of Team for Tomorrow announced details of the 2010 program today, including visits to children’s hospitals and schools to spread the Olympic Ideals, holiday give-aways to at-needs children, the donation of service hours to Habitat for Humanity.

Among her other duties as an Athlete Ambassador, Rachael will join members of the U.S. Figure Skating team for a visit to Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Dec. 21. The skaters will share their journeys of determination and commitment to reaching their goal – the 2010 Olympic Winter Games – while encouraging children to reach for their dreams. In addition, the athletes will donate special Team for Tomorrow digital cameras as gifts.

For more on the Team for Tomorrow, visit www.teamusa.org/pages/2539.

Rachael films 'Postcard from the Road' with Martina McBride

December 3, 2009 — Before country superstar Martina McBride’s concert Thursday in Colorado Springs, Colo., she stopped by the World Arena to chat with two-time U.S. Championship silver medalist Rachael for footage will be used for one of McBride’s “Postcards from the Road” for CNN. (A photo from the meeting is available here.)

“It was extremely cool to meet Martina,” said Rachael, who recently won the silver at Skate America, where she beat 2009 World Champion Yu-Na Kim in the free skate. “She is very nice. And, its funny how petite she is. We thought she would be much taller. Martina is the perfect size for skating.”

McBride and her production crew met with Rachael and told her how with each stop her tour makes, they try to learn a little something about the area and the people. McBride and her crew chatted with Flatt about preparations for U.S. Championships, Jan. 14-24, in Spokane, Wash., and the excitement in the Olympic season.

McBride, who has won the Country Music Association’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” award four times and the Academy of Country Music’s “Top Female Vocalist” award three times, also told Flatt what it is like to be on the road touring.

After chatting, the group then toured the Ice Hall, watched both a singles freestyle session as well as a pair/dance session. McBride and Rachael went over to the Olympic rink after practice to hear about the history of the Broadmoor Skating Club.

Rachael wins free skate, places second at Skate America

November 15, 2009 — Rachael was in awe of Yu-Na Kim after the Korean set a world record in the short program Saturday at Skate America in Lake Placid, N.Y. “Skating against her is such an inspiration,” the two-time U.S. silver medalist said following her own second place performance that night.

The inspiration went a long way for the high school honors student. On Sunday, she nailed seven triple jumps in her “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” program to Kim’s three, beating the 2009 World Champion in the free skating competition.

Rachael's 116.11 points in the free is her new personal best score. Overall, Rachael (174.91) grabbed the silver medal, her first Grand Prix podium appearance of the season, making her case for one of the two spots on the 2010 U.S. Olympic team even stronger.

Rachael started her program strong with a double axel then nailed the triple flip-triple toe combination, which she fell on in the short program. Other highlights included the triple flip-double toe-double loop, two Level 4 spins and a Level 3 step sequence, which brought the crowd to its feet.

Her final spin did not receive any points but the points would not have changed the final outcome of the event. “I did not get credit for my last spin, because I had a distance of more than six feet between [re-centering] the spin,” said Rachael, who is the 2008 World Junior Champion and was the highest American finisher at the World Championships last season, where she placed fifth.

Rachael finishes fourth at Cup of China

October 31, 2009 — Rachael made he first Grand Prix apperance of the season with a fourth place finish overall at the Cup of China in Beijing. She finished with 157.71 total points for her fifth place short program (58.80) and fifth place free skate (98.91).

In her short program to "Sing! Sing! Sing!" from the musical Fosse, Rachael started with a strong triple flip-double toe combination and then completed a triple lutz and a double axel. She had a Level 4 spiral sequence, a Level 4 spin, two Level 3 spins and Level 3 footwork.

Rachael skated to a "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Sergei Rachmaninov for her free skate, which included five triples, although the two flips received a warning for the wrong take off edge. Rachael's spins were Level 3, her steps were Level 3 and her spiral sequence was Level 2.

She competes next at Skate America, Nov. 12-15, in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Rachael on the cover of SKATING

August 9, 2009 — Rachael is featured on the cover of the August/September 2009 issue of SKATING Magazine, the official publication of U.S. Figure Skating, with her mentor Dorothy Hamill, the 1976 Olympic Champion. It is the first SKATING cover for Rachael.

In the issue, Rachael discusses her relationship with Dorothy, who she works with through the U.S. Figure Skating mentor program. She also talks about how Dorothy has helped prepare her for the lead up to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, which starts for Rachael at Cup of China, Oct. 28-Nov. 1.

Rachael chooses programs for 2009-10 season

June 29, 2009 —Following a second place finish at the U.S. Championships and a fifth place debut at the World Championships, Rachael has retired her competitive programs from last season. She has announced that she will have a new short program and free skate for the Olympic season with both choreographed by Lori Nichol.

Rachael is channeling the bright lights of Broadway with an upbeat short program set to "Sing! Sing! Sing!" (Part 2) from the musical Fosse. For her free skate, she will show her sophisticated style with a program to "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Sergei Rachmaninov.

"We had been looking around for a peppier piece of music, to kind of show off the bubbly side of my personality when it comes to skating," Rachael said about her choice for the short. "It's very different [than last season's short]. It's a lot of fun to perform and it's a program I know I'm going to enjoy both training and competing."

Rachael also announced that she will perform two new exhibition programs, both which she debuted at the 2009 Skate for Hope breast cancer fundraiser in Columbus, Ohio, throughout the season. The new programs are to "One Night Only" from Dreamgirls and "One Day I'll Fly Away" from Moulin Rouge.

She used Rachmaninov music to much success last season. For her 2008-09 short program, she skated to "Moon River" by Henry Mancini and "Piano Concerto No. 2" by Rachmaninov, using it to secure medals at four competitions including silver at Cup of Russia and gold at the World Team Trophy.

Rachael used three C. Debussy songs for her free skate at the beginning of last season. However, she later returned to the program that lifted her to the 2008 World Junior Championship gold medal, and used "Romantic Rhapsody" by Mathieu for her World debut.

Rachael's road to Vancouver starts in Beijing, Lake Placid

May 30, 2009 — Rachael will start her quest for a berth on the 2010 U.S. Olympic team with two competitions on the 2009 Grand Prix circuit. The first competitive appearance of the 2009-10 season will come at Cup of China while her second will be Skate America.

Beijing hosts the Cup of China from Oct. 29-Nov. 1 while Skate America is Nov. 12-15 in Lake Placid, N.Y., at the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena. Strong performances at both competitions could qualify Rachael for the Grand Prix Final, Dec. 3-6 in Tokyo, Japan.

Rachael has one season of previous experience on the Grand Prix circuit. In 2008, she finished fourth at her season opening event, Skate America, and then took home the silver medal from Cup of Russia, making her the highest ranked American lady at the end of the series.

Rachael, Team USA win first ever World Team Trophy

April 18, 2009 — With a fourth place showing in the ladies competition, Rachael (171.81) helped Team USA win the inaugural World Team Trophy in Tokyo, Japan. The Americans finished with 60 points, besting teams five other nations. Team USA also won the team spirit award.

The competition marked the end of an impressive season for Rachael, who won a second consecutive silver medal at the U.S. Championships. She was the top American lady at three international competitions including the World Championships.

She made her Grand Prix debut with a fourth place finish at Skate America in October then won silver at Cup of Russia in November, making her the highest ranked U.S. lady on the circuit. Rachael finished seventh at the Four Continent Championships and fifth at Worlds.

Now Rachael, a high school honors student, will skate in a few shows before focusing on her preparations for the upcoming season, which includes the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

"It always has been a dream of mine," Rachael said about the possibility of making the Olympic team. "It really was starting to become a reality since nationals this year. It's not set in stone or anything, but this is making it a realistic goal. It's exciting to think I could actually be competing at the Olympics."

Rachael's free skate in Tokyo featured four clean triples, including a solid Salchow and loop, but she received edge deductions on both her triple lutz jumps. The second jump in her triple flip-triple toe combination and third jump in her triple flip-double toe-double loop were downgraded.

Team USA also consisted of World Champion Evan Lysacek and Grand Prix Final Champion Jeremy Abbott on the men's side. U.S. bronze medalist Caroline Zhang, who finished second at the World Junior Championships, also represented the country in the ladies event.

Competing in pairs was U.S. silver medalists Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett, who were ninth at Worlds. Five-time U.S. Champions Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, who recently won the silver medal at Worlds and also took silver at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, competed in ice dance.

Canada (54), led by World silver medalists Patrick Chan and Joannie Rochette as well as World bronze medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, finished second while Japan (50) took third. The other nations participating were France (37), Russia (35) and China (34).

Rachael finishes fifth in World Team Trophy short program

April 16, 2009 — After the first day of competition at the inaugural World Team Trophy, Rachael and the United States team are leading teams from five other countries. The competition is April 16-19 in Tokyo.

Rachael scored 58.40 for her short program, putting her in fifth place. Her program earned eight points toward the team standing while her teammate Caroline Zhang earned nine.

The two-time U.S. silver medalist, who finished fifth at the recent Worlds, landed a triple flip-triple toe combination, but had her second jump downgraded. She also a triple lutz, which received an edge call, and a stellar double axel that earned a positive grade of execution.

Rachael connects with fans on Facebook by starting an official page

April 2, 2009 — Rachael is now on Facebook, a social networking Web site with over 150 million active users. At the encouragement of several fans, she started an official page in order to connect with supporters across the world.

"It's really exciting for me to have another way to interact with my fans. They have been so amazing already," said Rachael, who recently finished fifth at the 2009 World Championships in Los Angeles. Fans can leave public messages of support for Rachael by writing a message on the wall.

The page will complement RachaelFlatt.net by bringing notifications of important Web site updates directly to Rachael's Facebook fans. Through the year, the Facebook page will also have news and photos before they appear on the Web site.

To visit the official Rachael page, go to www.facebook.com/RachaelFlattUSA. Only hours after opening the page, fans from across the country and the world, including China, Russia and Japan, have already shown their support.

Rachael eyes Vancouver after impressive fifth place showing at Worlds

March 28, 2009 — At the 2009 World Championship in Los Angeles, Rachael proved that she is not only one of the premier skaters in the United States, but she is also among the top ladies skaters in the world. Rachael finished fifth overall in her World debut with a personal best 172.41 points.

"I think there were a few things I could've changed, but I think it was a great performance," said Rachael, who was seventh in the short program and fifth in the free skate. "This experience was irreplaceable. I couldn't ask for anything more."

For the Worlds, Rachael returned to "Romantic Rhapsody" by Mathieu, the program that helped her win the 2008 World Junior Championship. She was not perfect but completed six triple jumps including two in combination, the triple lutz-double toe and triple flip-double toe-double loop.

"It puts my name in the judges' minds,"said Rachael, who finished second at the 2009 U.S. Championships but finished as the highest ranked American lady in Los Angeles. "It says that I am a contender for Vancouver."

Rachael's fifth place standing helped the country earn two spots for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She hopes to qualify for the team through the U.S. Championships next January.

"It always has been a dream of mine," Rachael said. "It really was starting to become a reality since nationals this year. It's not set in stone or anything, but this is making it a realistic goal. It's exciting to think I could actually be competing at the Olympics."

All four skaters who finished ahead of Rachael are seasoned competitors with impressive resumes.

Korea's Yu-Na Kim won the World crown after two consecutive back-to-back bronze medals. Canada's Joannie Rochette, the silver medalist, medaled for the first time in seven trips to the World Championships. Bronze medalist Miki Ando and fourth-place finisher Mao Asada of Japan won the World Championships in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

"I loved it. It was so much fun. Skating in front of a home crowd was great, and since this was my first worlds, I had no pressure coming in," Rachael said. She finished ahead of Japan's two-time World bronze medalist Fumie Suguri and Italian Carolina Koster, World silver and bronze medalist.

Rachael leads American ladies in her World Championship debut

March 27, 2009 — Rachael performed her best short program of the season at the 2009 World Championships in Los Angeles. In her World debut, she scored 59.30 points, for a seventh place standing entering the free skate Saturday at Staples Center.

Rachael had trouble on the opening element of her program, a planned triple flip-triple toe combination. She uncharacteristically stumbled on the landing of the first jump then opted to leave off the second.

The mistake could have been a near disaster. Yet Rachael, last year's World Junior Champion, instead improvised her "Moon River" short program by turning her triple lutz into a triple lutz-double toe to make up lost points. She also landed a double axel.

"I'm disappointed with how the combination came out. Aside from that, it was a good program," said Rachael, who is the highest placing American lady in Los Angeles. "I let it go pretty much as soon as it happened. I knew I needed a combination in, so I just tacked it on to the triple Lutz."

Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill to mentor Rachael

February 27, 2009 — Rachael announced today that 1976 Olympic Gold Medalist Dorothy Hamill will mentor her on her road to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.  Hamill chose to work with Rachael due to Rachael's consistency, work ethic, and bubbly personality — all of which are reminiscent of Hamill's career over thirty years ago.

Hamill will be helping Rachael both on and off the ice and will act as a support system and advisor on how to deal with the challenges of being at the top of a sport that is immensely popular during Winter Olympic years. 

"I'm thrilled and honored to be working with a legend like Dorothy," Rachael said.  "Her outgoing personality and endearing smile touched millions of Americans in a way that I can only hope to emulate. Dorothy is an amazing role model and I look forward to learning from her experience of handling the pressure of being 'America's Sweetheart.'"

The recent announcement is one of several exciting developments for Rachael this season.  In addition to working with Hamill, the sixteen-year-old partnered with MAC Cosmetics, who will be providing her makeup through the Olympics, and Reading Is Fundamental, the nation's oldest children's literacy organization.

Rachael's appearance in the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles will be the first in her senior career.  The Championships have special meaning for the skater, as she was born and raised in Del Mar, Calif.  The Flatt family relocated to Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2000 to train at the Broadmoor World Arena, but they return to southern California every year to visit family and friends. 

Rachael takes to the ice in the ladies competition at the World Figure Skating Championships on March 27 and 28. Last year, she won the World Junior Championships.

In Olympic arena, Rachael takes seventh at Four Continents Championship

February 6, 2009 — At the Four Continents Championships, Rachael finished eighth in the short program, seventh in the free skate and seventh overall. She received 162.83 points, skating in the same arena that will host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Highlights of Rachael's performance to three C. Debussy songs include her opening double axel and her triple flip-double toe combination. She landed five total triple jumps, though both lutz jumps received a edge alert, and five double jumps.

Four elements, including her closing combination spin, were judged as a Level 4 while her straight line step sequence received a Level 3.

Rachael now has her sights set on representing the United States at the 2009 World Championships. The competition is March 23-29 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, about two hours from Rachael's hometown Del Mar, Calif.

Rachael eighth after Four Continents short program

February 4, 2009 — Rachael finished eighth in the short program at the Four Continents Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Skating in the same venue that will host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, she scored 55.44 points.

In her performance to "Moon River" by Henry Mancini and "Piano Concerto No. 2" by Sergei Rachmaninov, Rachael started with a triple flip-triple toe combination, although the triple toe was downgraded to a double. She received a edge alert for her triple lutz but had no problems with her solid double axel, which received a positive grade of execution.

Rachael received two Level 4s, two Level 3s and a Level 2 for non-jumping elements.

Rachael makes the U.S. Figure Skating Scholastic Honors Team

January 25, 2009 — Rachael is one of the athletes U.S. Figure Skating honored today at the U.S. Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, for their academic achievements with a spot on the 2009 U.S. Figure Skating Scholastic Honors Team.

The team comprises 10 of U.S. Figure Skating's brightest and most talented athletes who shine both on the ice and in the classroom. Every athlete in this year's class has been named to the honor roll, won academic honors or is an honor society member. Six are National Merit Scholars or semifinalists, and all regularly participate in, organize or lead charity programs in their schools or communities.

Rachael is a junior at Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. She is a full-time student in the Advanced Placement program at Cheyenne Mountain, where she has been named to the Principal's Honor Roll for straight-A students. She is the 2008 recipient of Cheyenne Mountain High School's Athletic Excellence Award for Outstanding Academic and Athletic Achievements at the state, national or international level.

She participated in 2008 Skate for Hope, Blades for the Cure and Band Together, the American Association of Orthodontists summer education program. Flatt was honored at the 2008 Colorado Springs Sports Corporation Breakfast of Champions for her outstanding achievements in sports which include the 2008 World Junior Championship.

Rachael earns her spot at the World Championships

January 24, 2009 — Rachael is headed to the World Championships in Los Angeles after a silver medal winning performance at the U.S. Championships in Cleveland, Ohio. She finished second in the short program and free skate for 173.78 points overall.

Rachael's free skate earned her 113.59. She started her performance to three selections by C. Debussy with a double axel and later went for the triple flip-triple toe combination. Among other highlights of the program were a triple flip-double loop, triple Salchow, triple loop and triple lutz-double toe-double loop.

Her non-jumping elements were well received, all scoring Level 4s except the step sequence.

With a silver medal performance, Rachael earned one of two spots on the World team and one of three spots at February's Four Continents Championships, which will be held in rink of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Rachael in second at the U.S. Championships

January 22, 2009 — Rachael is in contention for her first berth on the World Championship team after a second place showing in the short program at the U.S. Championships in Cleveland, Ohio. She has 60.19 points heading into the free skate.

In her short program to "Moon River" from Breakfast at Tiffany's and "Piano Concerto No. 2" by Sergei Rachmaninov, Rachael landed a triple flip-double toe combination, a triple lutz and a double axel. All of her elements received a Level 3 or a Level 4.

MAC Cosmetics partners with Rachael

January 15, 2009 — MAC Cosmetics recently announced a partnership with Rachael, the current 2008 US ladies silver medalist and World Junior Champion.  MAC will act as Rachael's preferred cosmetic company heading into the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.

MAC chose RAchael because of her beauty and grace, both on and off the ice. "We are thrilled to work with an elite athlete such as Rachael," Melissa Gibson, Senior Artist, MAC PRO Team stated. "Rachael's confidence and maturity as a skater and as a young woman exemplifies what MAC stands for – beauty both inside and out."

Rachael pairs with Reading is Fundamental to promote literacy

December 12, 2008 — Rachael has teamed up with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's oldest and largest children and families' literacy nonprofit organization, to encourage kids to gear up for a year of reading fun through a special feature on the RIF Reading Planet Web site.

Jump into January, the latest RIF Reading Planet feature, ties favorite winter books to family activities—enticing even reluctant readers to pick up a book. A special Flatt ice skating video, along with an interview section, inspires families to embark on a "Skating Skidoo" expedition.

Jump into January features a story cabin with a winter–themed booklist that includes suggested age–appropriate titles to celebrate the joys of winter. Families can also enjoy an interactive online version of The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. For those looking to cure the winter blues, this special section includes a craft corner with step–by–step directions on creating a collage for all seasons, a family time capsule, a "Winter Warm Up" meal and more.

The Reading Planet at www.RIF.org is a colorful and interactive site where children (ages 6 to 15) can explore a fun, online world of books as they engage in reading/writing games and activities.

U.S. Olympic Committee selects Rachael as skater to watch in 2010

December 1, 2008 – Rachael is one of 10 athletes to watch in 2010 according to the U.S. Olympic Committee's Olympic Beat magazine. In the November/December issue, she is profiled along with nine other winter wonders who could join Miracle on Ice, Dan Jensen and Sarah Hughes unforgettable icons of the Winter Olympic Games.

The only figure skater on the list, Rachael joins Olympic bronze medalist Pete Fenson of curling, Olympic silver medalist Todd Hays of bobsled, World Champion Noelle Pikus-Pace of skeleton, World Cup overall champion Lindsey Vonn of skiing, Olympic Champion Scott Wescott of snowboarding and four others as athletes to watch with the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada, a little more than a year away.

"I think the Olympics are always in the back of my mind but I try to focus on my day-to-day skating," Rachael told the magazine. "I have my day-to-day goals, my week to-week, month-to-month goals but (the Olympic Games) are always in the back of my mind. It's the ultimate competition. Everything I do counts toward that ultimate goal of competing there."

At Cup of Russia, Rachael wins her first Grand Prix medal

November 22, 2008 — Rachael won the silver medal at the Cup of Russia in Moscow, Russia, marking her first medal winning performance on the Grand Prix. She finished behind Italy's World Championship silver medalist Carolina Kostner with 166.06 points.

Rachael moved up from third place after the short program with a second place free skate (110.14). Her program opened with a double axel and she went on to perform a triple flip-triple toe combination, a triple lutz, triple flip-double loop, triple Salchow and double axel. She ended her jumping passes with a triple lutz-double toe-double loop.

With the exception of one Level 2 step sequence, all of her non-jumping elements were judged at a Level 4, helping her to the highest technical element score of the competition. She finished with 60.86 and 49.28 for program components.

Cup of Russia is her second career competition on the Grand Prix. In October, Rachael finished fourth in her debut at Skate America in Everett, Wash., recording the highest placement among the three American ladies competing.

Third place short program has Rachael eyeing a medal in Moscow

November 21, 2008 — Rachael is in contention for her first Grand Prix series medal after finishing third in the short program at Cup of Russia in Moscow, Russia, with 55.92 points. She is currently behind two-time World Championship bronze medalist Fumie Suguri and reigning World silver medalist Carolina Kostner of Italy.

She started her program with a triple flip that had some problems on the landing, then she managed a triple lutz-double toe combination. Aided by a double axel that came more than two minutes into the program, she scored the second-highest technical marks, 31.80.

Rachael finishes fourth in Grand Prix series debut

October 26, 2008 — In her debut on the Grand Prix series at Skate America in Everett, Wash., Rachael finished fourth with 155.73 points. She is the highest American finisher overall, placing fifth in the short program and fourth in the free skate.

Rachael landed four triples, six double jumps and one single jump in a performance she said left her a "little disappointed" because of mistakes. Usually consistent with her triple-triple jump combinations, she landed a triple flip-double loop and triple lutz-double toe-double loop in the free. And all but one of her non-jumping elements were judged as a Level 4.

Fifth after the short program at Skate America

October 24, 2008 — Rachael is fifth after the short program at Skate America in Everett, Wash., the first event in the Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. She scored 54.92 points for her performance to Henry Mancini's "Moon River."

In her senior international debut, Rachael had some problems early in the program when the second jump in her triple flip-triple loop combination was downgraded to a double. She also had the third jump in her program, a triple lutz, called for an edge deduction.

But Rachael recovered from her early mistakes to deliver several strong elements including a solid double axel more than two minutes into the program. She capped off the program with a Level 4 spin.