If, for the first time since 1988, an American man is to win Olympic gold, it could be reigning world champion Evan Lysacek. But it might just be Jeremy Abbott. In Spokane, Abbott put together back-to-back near perfect performances to defeat his better-known teammates - Lysacek, as well as fellow 2006 Olympian Johnny Weir- and claim his second straight U.S. title by a commanding margin of 25 points. If Abbott performs two programs in Vancouver like he did in Spokane, he will win an Olympic medal. And it could even be gold.

Abbott is a peer of Lysacek and Weir - he is one day younger than Lysacek and about a year younger than Weir - and between them the trio has now claimed the last seven U.S. titles. But Abbott's skating career has followed a more gradual arc. Only he is without Olympic experience and without a world medal. In 2006, when Lysacek and Weir earned their trips to Torino, Abbott wasn't even competing at Nationals. The U.S. junior champion a year before, he failed to qualify for the event in his first season as a senior. Of 2006 Abbott says, "It was a starting point for me and everything that's happened since."

What has happened since is that he has developed into one of the world's best. Abbott is what is often referred to, especially under the current judging system, as a "complete" skater. He has beautiful basic technique, imaginative choreography (this season's short program is a masterpiece) and seamless, intricate transitions. He is also fast becoming one of the most consistent men on the quad - and that could be an unbeatable combination.

Twice this season Abbott has pulled out the quad to win titles. Before Spokane it was at Skate Canada, where he needed to win to qualify for the Grand Prix Final. And at the Final he proved he can fall on the opening quad and get up, seemingly unfazed, to perform a stirring eight-triple free skate.

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U.S. Nationals: Jeremy Abbott free skate

Abbott wins his second consecutive U.S. championship with a commanding free skate.

Model Olympian: Johnny Weir

Never one to shy from a spotlight, Weir strikes some poses for the camera.

Abbott leads short program at Nationals

That is something Evan Lysacek has yet to master. After a somewhat shaky short program in Spokane, he tried the quad in the free skate for the first time this season. He fell and never fully recovered, making other minor mistakes and failing to generate his usual excitement on the ice.

Consistency and excitement are two Lysacek trademarks. Lacking some of the natural ability and smooth skating style of an Abbott, he has built a career on hard work, enthusiasm and delivering clean programs. Lysacek is the most reliable skater in the world today. Only once since Torino - at the 2007 World Championships - has he competed at an event and failed to win a medal. And last season he became world champion.

At those Championships, an inspired eight-triple free skate was enough to win, but entering the Vancouver Games, Lysacek has a difficult decision to make. A similar skate could earn him an Olympic medal, but it likely won't be enough for gold.

Unlike Lysacek, Johnny Weir won't spend much time pondering whether to include the quad. He has never landed the four-revolution jump cleanly in competition and his risk-reward scale tips clearly in the direction of risk. Though Weir remains a medal threat - he won world bronze in 2008 and bronze medals at the last two Grand Prix Finals - his podium hopes may depend on the mistakes of others. Weir doesn't consider himself among the gold medal favorites and views that as a positive - and pressure-relieving - thing. Weir faced the most pressure in attempting to make the Olympic team. He looked sharp in practices in Spokane as well as the short program, but allowed nerves to impact his free skate.

Certain elements of Weir's skating have improved over time - his spins look fast and he performs with more aggression and emotion than he did when he was younger. But some of the smooth, free-flowing ease has disappeared. Perhaps with some expectations lifted, he will be able to skate with freedom in Vancouver.

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