Chloé Katz of Sea Cliff and Joseph Lynch of Wantagh skated a technically challenging and nearly flawless long program at U.S. Eastern Sectionals in Lake Placid on Nov. 14.

After winning the gold medal and becoming the Northern regional champions in October, the pair advanced to Eastern Sectionals to clinch a coveted spot at U.S. Nationals. They received their medal after completing a rigorous long program that included intricate footwork, powerful side by side double axels, and an attempt at a difficult throw triple salchow. They will advance to the State Farm 2004 U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Jan. 4.

Katz and Lynch are coached by former world professional silver medalist Adam Leib of Port Washington. They receive additional technical and artistic coaching from Barbara DeLuca of Dix Hills, Brad Cox of Manhattan, and 2002 World champion Kyoko Ina. Coach Leib describes them as "two accomplished singles skaters who came together to create an exceptionally unified and powerful team. They are extraordinary skaters whose artistry is underscored by tremendous grace and elegance."

Though unusual, both skaters have distinguished credentials in both singles and pairs skating. As singles skaters they have both been alternates to U.S. Nationals and represented the U.S. abroad at prestigious international venues in Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Denmark. They are both two-time members of the U.S. Junior National Team. Lynch holds a United States Figure Skating Association Gold Medal and Katz is a double gold medallist.

The U.S. Figure Skating Championship takes place in Atlanta, GA from January 3-11. Approximately 250 figure skaters will compete for 12 national titles. In addition to televised events, approximately 125,000 spectators will attend the championships.