Starr Andrews headlined the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, California on Friday, becoming the first Black woman to win a medal in over three decades.
Andrews, who finished fourth overall, was delighted to stand on the podium alongside Isabeau Levito, who won the gold medal, Bradie Tennell, who took second, and Amber Glenn, who won the bronze. According to The Washington Post, she received a total score of 188.24 for the two days of the competition, including a free skate score of 119.27.
“To be able to be the next African American woman to stand on a podium is amazing,” Andrews told The Post.
Before Andrews’ win, the last Black woman in America to win a national figure skating competition medal was Debi Thomas in 1988, 35 years ago. Having grown up in Los Angeles competing in a sport where women of color rarely make it to the medal stand, Andrews understood the significance of the moment. Read more
