1970 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

The 1970 United States Figure Skating Championships was an event organized by U.S. Figure Skating to determine the U.S. national champions and the U.S. team for the 1970 World Championships. Medals were awarded in three colors: gold (first), silver (second), and bronze (third) in four disciplines – men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, and ice dancing – across three levels: senior, junior, and novice. The event was held at the Tulsa Assembly Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma from February 4 through 7, 1970.

Janet Lynn repeated as ladies' champion in a unanimous decision of the judges over Julie Lynn Holmes. Lynn won the compulsory figures as well as the free skating, where she skated a brilliant performance to Claude Debussy's "Rain Forest". Tim Wood likewise defended his title in the men's division in a unanimous decision. Wood dominated the compulsory figures part of the competition but skated conservatively in the free skating as he was dealing with a sprained ankle. John Misha Petkevich, previously known primarily for his free skating ability, was a surprising second in the figures, but some found his program to music from "On the Waterfront" jarring, and his costume—a stretch jumpsuit with a white eyelet shirt—was considered unusually daring as well. Meanwhile, Kenneth Shelley, who finished third, was the audience favorite of the free skating.

Shelley was also the winner of the pairs event with his partner JoJo Starbuck, following the retirement of the 1969 champions Cynthia and Ronald Kauffman. The pairs field was considered relatively weak at this event. Meanwhile, Judy Schwomeyer and James Sladky claimed their third consecutive national dance title.

Attendees at the competition noted that the standard of athleticism was rising among skaters in the lower-level divisions. Of particular note was Melissa Militano, who became one of the first female skaters to land a triple toe loop in winning the bronze medal in the junior ladies' event. Another trend was the domination of skaters from California rather than the traditional skating strongholds of the Northeast and Midwest.

Senior-level results

Men

Ladies

Pairs

Ice dancing (Gold Dance)

Junior-level results

Men

Ladies

Pairs

Ice dancing (Silver Dance)

* Eliminated before final round

Novice-level results

Men

Ladies

References

• "U.S. Championships", Skating magazine, April 1970