An Unforgettable Tribute: Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin's "Ave Maria"

Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin gave the world quite a moment during their freeskate at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Greensboro, N.C. Caitlin and John skated a breathtaking rendition of "Ave Maria" by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, dedicated to John's late mother Stacy, who passed away from a chronic respiratory disease last February.

John describes his mother as the "driving force" behind his skating career. He could feel her presence with him during Nationals in Greensboro. Feeling inspired to skate for Stacy, John and Caitlin rose to the occasion at a competition like never before.

Although, their stellar performances in the short and long didn't exactly come as a surprise, as they had a solid Grand Prix season, including a bronze-medal finish at Cup of China, it was redemption over last season's National Championships in Spokane, WA. Caitlin and John, 2nd after the short program, and in contention to make one of two spots on the Olympic team, dropped to 6th place in the freeskate, after making several costly errors. Surely they were bitterly disappointed after last year, but this season's sensual short program to "Oblivion" and their magical freeskate to "Ave Maria" made everyone forget about last year's misfortune's. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who was focusing on anything John and Caitlin did in the past, as they floated through their ethereal tribute in Greensboro. It was a heart-felt moment that transcended the competition. It was an instance where results were irrelevant: all that mattered was that John and Caitlin had delivered the most beautiful performance of their lives. John broke down in tears at the end of the program, and I'm sure Caitlin felt relieved that she had lived up to the enormous pressure to help John fulfill his tribute to his mother. I'd imagine that there weren't many dry eyes in the arena. I had tears in my eyes at home watching.

Congratulations to John and Caitlin for delivering one of the most memorable performances in National Championship history, and for becoming the new U.S. National Champions! Thank you for giving skating fans, and the world, a moment of sheer beauty and heart.

Sit back, relax, grab a box of tissues, and enjoy!