Weiss finishes 5th

Watch Michael's quad in a short program practice

Mike has some fun with the crowd after his free skate.

January 16, 2005

For the first time in nine years, Michael failed to make the World championship team. The three-time U.S. National Champion finished fifth in the U.S. Figure Championships in Portland, Oregon.

Michael finished fifth in the short program also, and was hoping for a clean skate in the free skate, but he two-footed his quadruple toe loop and fell on his triple loop. On the bright side, he completed two triple Axels and had the crowd going with some catchy footwork to a medley of songs by Led Zeppelin.

His technical marks ranged from 5.3 to 5.6 and his marks for artistry ranged from 5.5 to 5.7.

"Missing that triple loop was difficult for me," he said, "but I got up and did the triple Axel, so I was happy with that, and I ended the program strong."

Despite his disappointing skate, Michael still was a hit with the crowd. One of his friends tossed him a football when the program ended and Michael made a nice catch and then celebrated by spinning the ball on the ice. He then picked the ball up and tossed it into the stands. A nice souvenir for a fan.