Rakic in medal chase at Youth Olympics

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Aleksa Rakic of Burnaby, B.C., posted a personal best score to stand in fourth place after Friday’s men’s short program as figure skating got underway at the Youth Olympics.

Russia is 1-2 with Andrei Mozalev first at 79.72 and Daniil Samsonov second at 76.62. Yuma Kagiyama of Japan is third at 72.76 followed by Rakic who earned 70.96.

The Russians are also in the top-two positions after the pairs short led by Apollinariia Panfilova and Dmitry Rylov.

Brooke McIntosh of Toronto and Brandon Toste of Mississauga, Ont., are fifth.

“We made one small error but overall we’re pleased with our performance,” said Toste. “For us our goal is to come in here and do as best as we can and enjoy the moment.”

“This is a really unique experience for us to be at the Games with athletes from other sports, bigger crowds and the great atmosphere.”

Competition continues Saturday with the short programs in ice dancing and women’s competition.

Full results: Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games

Photo by: Joe Toth