Butler enjoys the cold weather that comes with the nationals

Bianca Butler is a Dana Point, Calif., native and trains with partner Joe Jacobsen in nearby Aliso Viejo. Her Southern California roots are one of the reasons she looks forward to the cold weather, and often snow, that comes along with the U.S. Championships.

Butler, the 2005 U.S. Championship novice pairs silver medalist and 2007 junior pairs silver medalist with Jacobsen, sat down with Figure Skaters Online to discuss the eight reasons the U.S. Championships are her favorite competition of the year.

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1. I love seeing everyone. This is the one time of the year that all my skating friends are in one place. I look forward to having fun with the people that I've grown up with. Many have been going with us to nationals for the past eight years.

2. Our senior debut. The 2008 U.S. Championships will be exceptionally exciting because it's our first year at the senior level.

3. Putting out good performances. I always look forward to skating two good programs at nationals.

4. The competitiors party. I always look forward to the Saturday night party for all of the skaters.

5. The fans. I look forward to seeing all of our fans that we've met over the years. If you see us around St. Paul, please be sure to say "Hi."

6. The cold weather. Nationals is usually in a cold place with snow, and living in Southern California, I look forward to going to places with snow.

7. Exhibition of Champions. Skating in the exhibition, last year was really exciting for our first exhibition skate.

8. International teams. On the last day of nationals, they announce the World and World Junior teams. It's fun to find out who's going.

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For more information on Bianca Butler, visit her official Web site Bianca Butler and Joe Jacobsen Online at www.figureskatersonline.com/butler-jacobsen/.

Figure Skaters Online's Guide to the 2008 U.S. Championships is
written and produced by Figure Skaters Online in cooperation with the athletes and staff.

Photographs are courtesy of Leah Adams unless otherwise noted.