Evan Lysacek

Evan Lysacek knows what it takes to be a champion. But already three competitions into the season, the 2007 U.S. Champion has not won a title, despite setting personal bests en route to two silver medals from Skate America and Cup of China and a bronze  from the Grand Prix Final.

He wants his experience at the 2008 U.S. Championships in St. Paul to be a golden one. In both his Zorro short program and Tosca free skate, Lysacek plans on attempting a quadruple toe loop in hopes of winning his second straight national title. He also plans level four footwork.

"The program that I put out tonight had a lot higher difficulty," Lysacek said after his Skate America free. "Obviously, I'd rather go with something a lot more difficult and miss it and be learning and growing than just keep going for the same thing over and over again so I feel good about it."

Lysacek is no stranger to turning good seasons into great ones. In 2004-2005, he finished fifth at both of his Grand Prix events before taking bronze at the U.S. Championships, gold at Four Continents and his first of two bronze medals at the World Championships. His other accomplishments include both gold at 2006 Cup of China and 2007 Four Continents.

Lysacek is a Naperville, Ill., native but his interests reflect his Southern California lifestyle. He recently had a role in an independent film about skating called Skate Great! and has done some modeling. He also enjoys golf and surfing.

For more information on Lysacek, visit figureskatersonline.com/evanlysacek/.

— 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.