Nicole Otto reaches 2012 skating nationals

Greenfield - Nicole Otto, 14, of Greenfield is preparing to test herself against the top figure skaters in the country.

Otto will compete in the 2012 United States Junior National Championships in East Lansing, Mich., on Dec. 9-13. She will participate in the Intermediate Ladies level.

Otto claimed the silver medal at the U.S. Upper Great Lakes Regional Championships in St. Paul, Minn., on Oct. 14-18.

She won the first round, earning the top score of 100 competitors, and headed into the short program. She finished second there and went into the final freeskate program, where she also placed second.

That gave her the silver medal for the Intermediate Ladies group.

Otto is training at the Rink Side Ice Arena in Gurnee, Ill.

- John Rech