THE TOP SIX HIGHEST-SCORING NATIONS from the past three seasons were invited to contest the 2021 World Team Trophy in Osaka, Japan. In normal times, qualification for this competition would be based on the scores from the current season, but with a number of events canceled due to the pandemic and many skaters unable to travel, the International Skating Union extended the time frame of the World Standings to equalize the playing field.
Russia ranked first in the Standings with 9,847 points, followed by the U.S. (8,001), Japan (6,441), Canada (5,580), China (4,537) and Italy (4,021). However, after a disappointing showing at the 2021 World Championships with only one medal to its credit, China declined the invitation and France was invited in its place.
Skaters, coaches and officials were secured in…