Figure skater Loena Hendrickx wins Skate America

Loena Hendrickx won the first Grand Prix of the figure skating season, Skate America, on Sunday with a score of 221.28 points. It is the Belgian's second Grand Prix victory after the Grand Prix de France at the end of last year.

Hendrickx's victory came as no surprise, as she went into the event as favourite. During the first part of the Grand Prix, the short programme on Saturday night, she came close to her personal best (76.25) with a score of 75.92. She also won on Sunday with a score of 145.36.

"I've worked so hard... and to achieve this is everything I've dreamed of," Hendrickx told the crowd. "I want to enjoy skating and do clean performances like today. I want to enjoy the journey."

Skate America is the first of six Grand Prixs this season, which ends with the Grand Prix Final in Beijing, China, in December. Hendrickx won bronze at last year's final in Saitama, Japan.

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