USA1 (Haydenettes) were the only repeat medalists from 2011 at the conclusion of the 2012 World Synchronized Skating Championships today, while SWE1 (Team Surprise) and CAN1 (Nexxice) reclaimed World podium spots after missing out on medals in 2010 and 2011. SWE1, CAN1, and USA1 finished first, second, and third respectively while the Finnish teams were shut out of the medals for only the second time in history. The last time that happened was in 2007, which is also the last time Team Surprise were World Champions. That year, USA (Miami University) and CAN (Nexxice) also rounded out the podium. Team Surprise’s gold in Gothenburg marks the second time they’ve won at home, and is their sixth World Championship title.

After surprising even themselves by winning the short program yesterday, an excess interruption fall in the free took RUS1 (Paradise) out of medal contention. And while FIN2 (defending champions, Rockettes) rebounded from a sixth place skate yesterday to win the free today, it wasn’t enough to land them a spot on the podium.

Interestingly, none of the medals earned by the top three teams matched their short or free program placement. SWE1’s gold medal was the result of second in the short and third in the free, CAN1 won the silver medal with a third place short program and fourth place free skate, and USA1 took home bronze by placing fourth in the short and second in the free. See the full results here.

With only 2.62 points separating the top 5 teams overall, falls played a crucial role in today’s results. See the protocol for details.

Congratulations to all participating teams. See you in Boston!