Michael fifth at Skate America

Two-time U.S. champion Michael Weiss finished fifth at Skate America Saturday night, October 26, in Spokane, Washington.

It was Michael’s first Grand Prix event of the season. He next competes at the Nation’s Cup in Gelsenkirchen, Germany November 7-10 and then the NHK in Kyoto, Japan scheduled November 28-December 1.

Michael began the free skate in fifth place.

Michael’s short program featured the first time he performed to the Van Halen medley he learned only 2 1/2 weeks ago.

Michael came close to landing the quad but brushed his second foot ever so lightly on the ice.

"I rotated past the 3 1/2 turns (on the triple axel) and I was on my way to four," Michael said. "I stepped out quickly and tried to disguise it by going right on to the next element. "For the first time of skating this program, it felt good for me it felt pretty good."

Michael’s footwork was pleasing to both the crowd and the judges. He seemed pleased with his skate as he pumped his fist and gave the audience a big smile at the end of his short program.