By Kama Stigall
It was a gutsy and golden performance at the 2025 ISU World Junior Synchronized Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, as Teams Elite clinched the first-ever World title for the United States.
Teams Elite, which hails from Northbrook, Illinois, was in third place heading into the free program. The team rallied with a stunning performance to music from the film Black Swan and finished the competition with a total of 205.28 points.
When Danielle Ostrower, head coach for Teams Elite, realized they had won, she was overcome with emotion.
“My throat closed up, and I just burst into tears,” she said. “In that instant, the team knew and I did not have to say anything. I just held up one finger — number one — and the entire room exploded. There were cheers, screams, people hugging and crying — it was this beautiful mix of celebration and total disbelief. That moment will stay with me forever.”
Teams Elite skater Emma Chung shared her thoughts in an interview with U.S. Figure Skating after the competition.
“It is a dream come true,” Chung said. “We worked so hard for this opportunity and could not be more proud of our preparation and performances this entire season."
Joining Teams Elite on the medal stand was Skyliners, who earned the bronze medal with a total score of 201.27. This marks only the second time in history that the U.S. has had two teams on the podium at the event. The Fairfield, Connecticut-based team has been on the podium every year since 2018, making them one of the most formidable teams in the junior field.
“This competitive season was one of many ups and downs for the team,” Josh Babb, coach of Skyliners Junior, said. “It was incredible to see their determination and persistence carry them to another world medal.”
Caitlin Chae, who competes with Skyliners Junior, echoed her coach’s thoughts.
"Medaling showcases all our hard work and dedication that we’ve put in throughout this season,” Chae said. “We haven’t had the easiest course getting to this moment, so it’s really such an honor to be able to medal this season."
After their win, Teams Elite received a hero’s welcome when they returned home to Illinois.
“One of the most special moments happened as soon as our plane touched down in the U.S.,” Ostrower said. “We were given a water salute by the Chicago Fire Department as we pulled into the gate. It was surreal, something you usually only see for dignitaries or big-time champions. In that moment, it really hit us — we had made history.”
With two teams among the best in the world, it is living proof that the U.S. is a force to be reckoned with.
“U.S. synchro is continuing to push the sport forward on the international stage,” Babb said. “It’s exciting to see the U.S. national team continue to excel on the international stage.”
Other countries, such as Finland and Canada, have dominated synchronized skating for many years. However, the U.S. has emerged as a competitive threat — and a major contender.
“This win is more than just a title — it’s a statement,” Ostrower said. “For years, the U.S. synchro community has been steadily building, growing stronger and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this sport. It puts the U.S. firmly in the global conversation and demonstrates that our athletes, coaches, and programs can reach the highest level.”
It is the dawn of a new day for the sport, Ostrower added.
“This is a turning point, and I truly believe it’s just the beginning of a new era for U.S. synchro on the world stage,” she said.
As this competitive season comes to an end, it’s time to look forward. How will the teams continue to push themselves, each other and the sport in general?
“Winning a title is incredible, but staying at the top requires an even higher level of commitment, focus and innovation,” Ostrower said. “That is the mindset we are carrying into this next chapter. We are proud of what we have accomplished, but we know the work never stops.”
No matter what happens in the future, the team’s contribution to the sport is undeniable.
“It’s about more than just winning a title — it’s about proving that with the right mindset, culture, and commitment, history can be made,” Ostrower said.
