Figure skating has a dazzling new star. On January 26, at the U.S Figure Skating Championships, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mirai Nagasu, 14, became the second-youngest woman ever to win the top title. The high school freshman skated away with a gold medal for her fancy footwork and breathtaking jumps and spins. "I am very excited and speechless," says Mirai.
Mirai earned top scores for her short program. She kept the lead during the long program, delighting fans with her interpretation of a doll coming to life. She will have to sit out the world championships next month. Skaters had to have been 15 by last July to compete; Mirai won't be 15 until April. Is she upset? "I don't think I'm ready for anything that high yet," she says.