Rena and John finish in Top 10 at Worlds

Photo by Katsumi Kasahara

March 20, 20078

U.S. silver medalists Rena Inoue and John Baldwin, who competed at the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships with just two weeks preparation, re-affirmed their decision to remain in the eligible ranks, placing eighth in the free skate after a 10th-place short program, and finishing 10th overall at the World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.

"Rena and I were extremely pleased with our performances here and are happy to report we have secured two sports for next year's world championships in our hometown of Los Angeles!

"We're leaving here with a tremendous sense of satisfaction," the 34-year-old Baldwin said. "Doing those shows in Europe and Japan last summer and fall gained us a ton of performance experience; the fans just love Rena in Japan, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

"But I like competition best -- putting it all out there on the line and taking chances is scary. We really wanted to challenge ourselves and see if we could do it, and we did.

The couple, who won the U.S. title in 2004 and 2006, opened strong with side-by-side triple toe loops, a solid double twist and double Axel-double toe combos. Although Inoue fell on the landing of their signature move, a throw triple Axel, she nailed a throw triple loop later in the program.

"I'm so glad we came here," the 31-year-old Inoue said. "At first, we thought it would be impossible to do the rest of the season with just two weeks training in January. I told Johnny, 'I just hope we don't embarrass ourselves.'"

Inoue and Baldwin, who became engaged on the ice after their free skate at the U.S. championships, now plan another round of shows in Japan before returning to their home in Los Angeles to begin training for the 2009 Grand Prix season. They have other plans too: Baldwin revealed they are planning a summer wedding and hope to become parents in the not-so-distant future. They also do not rule out competing for a spot at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

"We're still here competing at our ages, against all these younger athletes," Baldwin said. "I think we're doing it pretty well too."

The U.S. was here: Benjamin Okolski, Brooke Castile, John Baldwin and Rena Inoue.

Brooke and John work out before the event!

Rena and John in their "Caesar's Palace" custumes.

The town squre in Gothenburg, Sweden.

John with friend, Tamara Kuchicki.

John with friend, Ron.

Rena rides the bus on the way to practice.

Phillip, Rena and John after the short program.

The practice rink.

Rena is exhausted!6

And she ready to go!

Rena, Brooke, John and Benjamin clowning around after the competition.

A view from the hotel window.

Another view from the hotel window.

Brooke and Rena smile for the camera.

John greets Charlie White.

And John clowns around with Charlie.

Ben Agosto and John try a pucker pose.

Team USA at the 2008 World Championships in Sweden.

A view of Gothenburg.

Beautiful Gothenburg.

Another view of Gothenburg.

Opera House in Gothenburg.

Public transportation.

The Royal Dutch.

The Hotel Gothia Towers.

The King.

Getting ready for a fun night!

Rena in good form at a bowling alley.

And so is Ben Agosto.

And so is Tanith Belbin.

And so is John Baldwin!

Meryl Davis and Ben Okolski pose for a picture.

Ben Agosto and Brooke Castille -- What did you say?