Chappaqua Skaters in Synchronized Skating Championships

Three Chappaqua skaters traveled to the 2016 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan this past weekend with their team, the Skyliners.

Rhianna Gold, an 8th Grader from Bell Middle School, and Lauren Sallay, an 8th grader from Seven Bridges Middle School, both won gold medals in their divisions and were crowned National Champions, team parents said in a press release. Emmy Sloan, an 8th Grader from Seven Bridges Middle School, placed 6th in her division.

Competing against the 12 best synchronized skating teams in the nation, performing to music from the Broadway show “9 to 5,” the Skyliners Juvenile team earned eight number one placements from the nine-judge panel. It was a historic season for the Skyliners Juvenile team, who won gold medals at every competition they attended this year, including their 6th straight gold medal at the 2016 Eastern Championships in Richmond, Virginia.

Rhianna, who has been a synchronized ice skater since the 2nd grade, was excited to celebrate an amazing achievement with her teammates. “It’s like a dream come true to skate at the National Championships and win. I’m so proud of the team," she said in a prepared statement. "We worked so hard all season and it’s the best feeling to stand on the podium representing Skyliners!”

Lauren Salley, member of the Skyliners Intermediate team, was equally excited to win the gold medal in her division. Their dynamic “Superheroes” routine impressed the judges with its technical difficulty, earning them their best score of the season and the Skyliners's first national crown in the Intermediate division, team parents said.

Lauren, who has been a synchronized skater since the 3rd grade, said, "We worked so hard this year and to see it pay off was incredible. I still feel like I'm dreaming. It's such an amazing experience to be a national champion."

Emmy Sloan, part of the Skyliners Novice team, performed to an inspiring “New York” music medley. The Novice team thrilled the crowd with their challenging choreography.

Their skate earned them 6th place in the nation.

Emmy, who has been a synchronized skater since the 1st grade, said, “I had such a great experience skating with my team at Nationals this year. We skated our very best and that is all that matters. I can't wait to come back even stronger next year!”