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Chris KnierimAmerican figure skater who competes in pairs skating with Alexa Scimeca.
Date of Birth: 05.11.1987
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Chris Knierim: A Trailblazing Figure Skater
- Partnerships and Success
- Rise to Prominence with Alexa Scimeca
- International Recognition
- Grand Prix Glory
- Continued Excellence
- Return to the Spotlight
- Towards the Olympics
Chris Knierim: A Trailblazing Figure Skater
The Early YearsChris Knierim, born in Tucson, Arizona, in November 1987, embarked on his skating journey during his school years. Recognized for his potential, he was swiftly placed in pairs. Knierim's initial partnership with Shawni Smith laid the foundation for his career in the discipline.
Partnerships and Success
Alongside Brynna Carman, Knierim achieved notable feats, including a silver medal at the US Junior Figure Skating Championships and a commendable performance at the 2009 World Junior Championships. Subsequent partnerships with Alissa Czisny and Erica Popst further honed his skills, culminating in victories at the Austrian Open and a repeat silver medal at the US Junior Championships.
Rise to Prominence with Alexa Scimeca
In a pivotal moment, Knierim teamed up with Alexa Scimeca in April 2012. Together, they swiftly established themselves as a force in the sport, earning a silver medal at the US Championships and securing berths at the World and Four Continents Championships in their debut season.
International Recognition
After narrowly missing out on Olympic selection, the duo emerged as leaders for the United States in the post-Olympic season. At the 2015 Four Continents Championships, they excelled as the top American pair, claiming fifth place and setting personal bests in the free skate and overall score. Their impressive performance at the World Championships in Shanghai solidified their place among the top ten pairs.
Grand Prix Glory
The 2015-16 season marked a significant milestone for Knierim and Scimeca. They opened with a silver medal at Nebelhorn Trophy and captured victory at the Icechallenge in Austria. Their third-place finish at NHK Trophy propelled them into the Grand Prix Final, a first for a US pairs team in eight years.
Continued Excellence
At the US Figure Skating Championships in 2016, Knierim and Scimeca narrowly missed retaining their title. However, they rebounded at the Four Continents Championships, securing their first continental silver medal with another personal best in the free skate and overall score. Their performance at the World Championships in Boston earned them a top-ten finish and improved their personal best in the short program.
Return to the Spotlight
Following a season hiatus due to Scimeca's health issues, the duo triumphantly returned in 2017. Despite not competing at the US Championships, they earned a sixth-place finish at the Four Continents Championships. At the World Championships in Helsinki, they achieved a tenth-place finish and secured their qualification for the Winter Olympics.
Towards the Olympics
Knierim and Scimeca commenced their Olympic season in 2017 with a silver medal at the U.S. International Figure Skating Classic. Their performance at NHK Trophy placed them mid-field in the series standings.
