02/12/2026
Synchro Stars take home GOLD and BRONZE at the Empire State Winter Games!
🥇 Open Masters
🥉 Open Adult
Ending the season with both teams on the podium is a testament to the fun, grit, teamwork, and dedication each skater brought to the ice this year. We are beyond proud of you!
Weekend highlights include, skating the Olympic Speed Skating Oval, dogsledding, team dinners, a foray into Canada to skate the Rideau Canal, fireworks at the ice castle and of course… The Hairpiece Incident™
Lake Placid has seen its share of historic moments. The Miracle on Ice. Olympic triumphs. And now… this.
Late in the Open Masters routine, it happened. A brunette object achieving independent flight. A hairpiece had taken its leave.
Our Open Masters skaters reported a collective gasp from the crowd and a look of concern from the judging panel. The team had no choice but to execute the remainder of their traveling circle element.
After the traveling circle, a skater glided toward the fallen hairpiece. She scooped up the rogue curls, gave them a jaunty twirl, and transformed the hairpiece into a pompom. At the end of the program, she struck a pose in front of the judges with the hairpiece. The judging panel responded like the front row at a late night comedy show. Shoulders shaking from laughter. Pens paused.
The Open Masters team left the ice and knew that Synchro Stars history had been made. Call it... Hair-story.
The medal ceremony delivered the final twist. Open Masters were awarded the Paul and Shirley Kreppel Synchronized Skating Team Award. It is given to the team with the most inspiring performance, as voted on by officials.
Inspiring, indeed.
Some teams bring difficulty.
Some bring artistry.
Synchro Stars bring commitment even when the hair doesn’t.
To our Open Masters and Open Adult teams, THANK YOU for a season of excellence, resilience, and improv comedy.
Lake Placid will never be the same.
