Gracie Gold won her first national women’s figure skating title on Saturday at the TD Garden in Boston, paving the way for a Sochi Olympics appearance.

Gracie Gold Wins Nationals

Coming into the Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championship, Gold was an underdog, but her nearly flawless routine that recreated Sleeping Beauty won over the judges. She was also helped by reigning champion Ashley Wagner’s disappointing performance. Wagner fell twice and left out a jump, opening up the door for Gold to take the lead in points.

"I was thinking, `Oh my God. I have a really great chance of going to the Olympics,'" Gold told USA Today, referring to her state of mind toward the end of the routine. "Maybe a little premature, I still had a spin to finish. But it was definitely there."

Figure Skating Berths To Sochi 2014

Polina Edmunds ended up in second place and Mirai Nagasu took third. The skaters who place in the first three slots are considered to join the Olympic team. However, none of them are guaranteed Olympic berths. Performances throughout the season are taken into consideration as well, which means Wagner – despite her error-filled routine at nationals – could still make the squad.

The USFSA selection committee has just 24 hours to decide who they will be taking to Sochi. Edmunds' scores as a junior skater make her qualified to go to the games, which will be considered by the federation. By capturing the gold in the national competition, Gold’s place on the team is all but secured.

– Chelsea Regan

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