Trending
Incredibly talented figure skater becomes ‘oldest’ champion in past 95 years
She's so poised and talented.
Patricia Lynn
08.24.23

When passion meets talent, magic happens. Mariah Bell, a 25-year-old figure skater, embodies this truth.

She’s not just a seasoned athlete; she’s a performer who pours her heart and soul into every glide and jump.

And her dedication has paid off—she clinched the U.S. women’s figure skating national title, making her the oldest champion in this category in nearly a century.

Bell’s win was not just a personal triumph. It was a moment of national pride.

She was followed by 2018 Olympian Karen Chen in second place. Alyssa Liu, a two-time national champion, initially secured third place but had to withdraw due to a positive Covid-19 test.

This led to 14-year-old Isabeau Levito moving up to third place.

YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports
Source:
YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports

But let’s shift our focus back to the star of the show, Mariah Bell. Her performance was nothing short of mesmerizing.

As she took to the ice, her eyes sparkled with excitement, not a trace of nervousness in sight.

It was clear that she was in her element, doing what she loves the most.

YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports
Source:
YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports

The music Bell chose for her performance was Yiruma’s emotionally charged ‘River Flows In You.’

The song perfectly complemented her passionate demeanor, creating an atmosphere that was almost ethereal.

As she skated, it was as if she had entered a different realm altogether.

YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports
Source:
YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports

Bell’s performance wasn’t just technically sound — it was emotionally resonant.

While everyone expected her to execute a triple jump, she stunned the crowd by pulling off a triple-triple.

It was a high-risk move, but she executed it flawlessly.

YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports
Source:
YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports

Commentators who had observed the skaters’ practice sessions noted that Bell hadn’t been able to nail this particular element during rehearsals.

Yet, on the day that mattered most, she delivered a perfect performance.

Her jumps, speed, and pacing were all on point, and she exuded grace throughout.

YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports
Source:
YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports

NBC broadcaster Tara Lipinski summed it up best: “It’s the way she emotes. It’s never forced. It feels so authentic.”

Indeed, Bell’s performance was different — it was a heartfelt expression of her love for the sport.

Her emotions were so palpable that they seemed to radiate out to the audience, making everyone feel her passion and love.

YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports
Source:
YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports

Lipinski added, “She was born to compete and to perform,” and we couldn’t agree more.

Mariah Bell’s breathtaking performance is a must-watch, and it shows what can be achieved when passion meets talent.

YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports
Source:
YouTube Screenshot / NBC Sports

It’s so incredible to watch someone at the top of their game performing, and that’s just what happens in this video of Mariah Bell. It’s easy to see why she was scored so highly by the judges.

She has such poise and grace as she glides across the ice. What an amazing figure skater.

Check out the full performance in the video below!

Advertisement