Richard Dornbush

Richard Dornbush is ready to make his mark. A year after finishing eight at the U.S. Championships in his first year as a junior competitior, Dornbush is looking to make it onto the podium in his second attempt.

Dornbush, the 2007 Gardena Spring Trophy Junior Men's Champion, started the season by placing sixth at Junior Grand Prix Austria, just falling short of earning a second event and a spot at the Junior Grand Prix Final, which were his other goals for the season. He then won the bronze medal at the Pacific Coast Sectional to make it to nationals for the fourth consecutive time.

He competed at the U.S. Junior Championships three times as a juvenile then intermediate. But at the 2005 U.S. Championships, he made his novice debut by finishing fifth. Dornbush then placed sixth the following year after winning both the Southwest Pacific Regional and Pacific Coast Sectional title while suffering from back problems.

In St. Paul, Dornbush will skate to La Virgen de la Macarena by Genaro Nuñez for his short program a Celtic medley for his free skate, with costumes designed by his mother Shelley. Both programs feature choreography by senior men's competitior Braden Overett.

Off the ice, Dornbush enjoys eating chow mein, orange chicken and wontons from Panda Express. The Christian Heritage School sophomore is interested in going into the medical field after his skating career. He also supports the Relay for Life charity.

For more information on Dornbush, visit figureskatersonline.com/richarddornbush/.

— Jamie M. Blanchard

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.
Photo of Richard Dornbush is courtesy of Richard Dornbush.