Kim Chae-yeon wins Four Continents title, prevents U.S. podium sweep

Kim Chae-yeon of South Korea clinched the gold medal at the Four Continents figure skating competition in Seoul, scoring a total of 222.38 points and preventing an American sweep of the podium. Kim, who delivered a season-best free skate score of 148.36, became the third South Korean woman to win this title, following Yuna Kim and Lee Hae-in. The United States secured the next two spots, with Bradie Tennell finishing second with 204.38 points and Sarah Everhardt taking third with 200.03 points. Tennell, who has recently battled injuries, expressed her satisfaction with her performance, while Everhardt edged out compatriot Alysa Liu for the podium. Defending champion Mone Chiba dropped to sixth place after struggling in her free skate. This victory follows Kim's recent gold at the Asian Games and sets her up for the upcoming World Championships in Boston.