Mariah Bell, ‘Ancient’ at 25, Wins U.S. Figure Skating Title and a Spot in Beijing

Bell was named to the U.S. Olympic team, along with Karen Chen, who finished second at nationals, and Alysa Liu, who withdrew on Friday after a positive coronavirus test.

NASHVILLE — Mariah Bell, a newly minted national champion, needed a reminder that she had been around figure skating for a long time, somehow, someway outlasting battalions of teenagers in a sport that skews so young.

“Have I been a senior for nine years?” she asked a room of reporters late Friday night, looking incredulous and referring to the senior level of skating, which is the top level of the sport.

A sea of heads nodded back at her.