Figure Skater Gracie Gold on “Top of the World” After Championship Win

Fresh from her big win at the U.S. National Championships, figure skater Gracie Gold paid a visit to the "Today" show to talk about her victory and making it to Sochi.

"I was on top of the world," Gold told host Savannah Guthrie. “I’m still on cloud nine. I was so proud of how I skated and I was able to earn my spot to Sochi."

The 18-year-old Illinois native took home the gold Saturday at the U.S. National Championships in Boston, defeating runner-up Polina Edmunds by 18 points. Proper training and trusting her coach helped her prepare for the event, she said.

"I felt really well trained going into nationals," she said. Gold finished second last year.

Both Gold and Edmunds earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, but controversy swirled around the final pick for the figure skating team in Sochi that was announced on Sunday. Mirai Nagasu, who placed third on Saturday was passed over for two-time national champion Ashley Wagner, who finished fourth.

“I really wish that we had four or five spots going to Sochi,’’ Gold said. “It’s so hard just to have three. The ladies' field in the U.S. is so deep, and they’re all wonderful skaters. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience."

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