The choice is narrowing. The International Skating Federation (ISU) has revealed the list of nominees for its annual figure skating trophies. It is the result of a vote by the media and the public, open online between December 11, 2023 and January 7, 2024. Three applicants remain in the race in each category. The winner will be chosen by a jury of six international experts, including former champions Miki Ando (Japan), Brian Boitano (United States), Surya Bonaly (France), and Lu Chen (China). The trophy for the best skater of the year will be played between the American Ilia Malinin and two Japanese, Kaori Sakamoto (photo above) and Shoma Uno. The best hope will be chosen by the ISU jury between three young girls, the Belgian Nina Pinzarrone, the Swiss Kimmy Repond and the Japanese Hana Yoshida. Strong French presence in the trio of nominees for the trophy for the most entertaining program, with Kevin Aymoz and Adam Siao Him Fa. They are in competition with the British dancing couple Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson. For the best costume, the final decision will be between the Americans Madison Chock / Evan Bates, the Belgian Loena Hendrickx and the Korean Haein Lee. For the title of best choreographer, the ISU online vote selected Canadian Shae-Lynn Bourne, Swiss Stéphane Lambiel and Frenchman Benoît Richaud. Finally, the Japanese Mie Hamada and Sonoko Nakano remain in the running, with Stéphane Lambiel, for the trophy for best coach of the year. The winners will be announced during the ISU Skating Awards evening on February 11 in Zurich.
