Isabeau Levito, 16, wins his first major international figure skating competition

CNN
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American teenager Isabeau Levito She won her first major international figure betting competition, taking the French Grand Prix title on Saturday to establish a potential chance Sweep the United States clean at the end of this week.

Despite finishing third in the free skate, the 16-year-old’s total score of 203.22 was enough to win and qualify for the Grand Prix Final in December.

Belgian Nina Pinzaroni ranked second with 198.80 points, while Japanese Rion Sumiyoshi ranked third with 197.79 points.

“I’m very proud that I was able to improve compared to last season in terms of results. My goal was to win at least one Grand Prix to ensure I reach the final. I’m really happy that I improved in this aspect,” Levitow told Olympics.com.

After Friday’s short program, Levito enjoyed a five-point advantage and that proved crucial after she struggled in the free skate in Angers, France, scoring just 131.39 points. Fortunately for Levito, the top three in the short program failed to impress on Saturday.

According to NBC, she is the first American woman to win the grand prix since Ashley Wagner did it at Skate America in 2016.

The French Grand Prix is ​​the third of six Grand Prix of the season. On Saturday, fellow American teenager Ilya Malinin competes in the men’s free skate. The 18-year-old takes first place after the short program.