When the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships get underway next week in Wichita, Kansas, there will be more Black skaters competing than any time in recent memory. Not only are Black skaters in three of the four senior divisions, but the event will also mark the induction of Atoy Wilson, the first Black skater to win a U.S. national title, into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. While this is just a beginning, Joel Savary, founder of Diversify Ice, sees it as very positive.
“Lots of cool things to look forward to,” said Savary, who recently appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to discuss his efforts to increase diversity and representation in the sport.
For the second time in three years, there will be two African American women in the senior women’s event. Starr Andrews is making her eighth consecutive appearance and Alexa Gasparotto is returning for a second time (she previously competed in 2023).
“Starr has demonstrated her joy of skating while competing at a high level for so many years. She is such a role model,” said Savary. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to see Alexa go out there and perform. She has so much raw talent. … We’ve seen in recent months her triple axel, which is stunning and beautiful. I don’t know if she’s going to go for it at nationals, but I would love it if she attempted it.”
Savary’s younger brother, Emmanuel, is making his return to the U.S. Championships, having last competed in 2019; in 2020 he withdrew due to injury. “He’s had such a long journey,” said Joel. “He loves the sport so much. He’s battled injuries. This year, I’m so glad he was able to stay healthy and stay so dedicated to not giving up in what can be a very harsh sport, particularly for people of color.”
Mark Sadusky and partner Nica Digerness will make their third appearance in senior pairs. The duo competed internationally for the first time last fall, winning the silver medal at IceChallenge in Graz, Austria. The junior division competes early in the week. Diversify Ice ambassadors Anaelle Kouevi and Yann Homawoo will be competing in ice dance.
The Hall of Fame ceremony will be deeply emotional. Joel described Wilson as someone he’s always looked up to. “Finally U.S. Figure skating and the community are recognizing his work not only as an impactful skater in history, a trailblazer, but he’s a good human being,” said Joel.