U.S. Figure Skating Championships: Olympic Dreams on the Line in St. Louis
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships are in full swing this week in St. Louis, serving as the final qualifying event for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortino. With record-breaking performances and intense competition, the championships highlight a pivotal moment for athletes aiming for Olympic spots.
Why It Matters
This annual championship not only determines national titles but also shapes the U.S. Olympic team, adding immense pressure as skaters seek to secure their positions. The stakes are particularly high with performances that could redefine the landscape of U.S. figure skating ahead of the Winter Games.
Key Developments
- Ilia Malinin, the reigning world champion known as the “Quad God,” maintained a commanding lead with a score of 115.10 points in the men’s short program, featuring a quadruple axel.
- Tomoki Hiwatashi and Jason Brown are also strong contenders for Olympic spots, currently in second and third place, respectively.
- In the women’s short program, Amber Glenn secured her position with a record-setting score of 83.05, captivating the audience with her performance.
- Emotions ran high as Maxim Naumov, who lost both parents in a tragic plane crash, showcased a heartfelt performance, securing fourth place.
- Despite being in contention, pairs champions Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov face uncertainty due to citizenship approval, which may affect their Olympic hopes.
Full Report
Men’s Short Program Highlights
In a thrilling display of skill and artistry, Ilia Malinin, at just 22 years old, demonstrated why he remains undefeated since 2023. His record-setting trip involved a flawless quadruple flip and a quadruple lutz-triple toe loop combination, positioning him 25 points ahead of Tomoki Hiwatashi, who performed a fan-favorite routine set to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.”
Jason Brown, the oldest competitor at 31, followed closely with a score of 88.49. He revisited his acclaimed 2014 “Riverdance” program, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. Meanwhile, Maxim Naumov delivered an emotional tribute to his late parents, who were both Olympic figures, earning a score of 85.72.
Women’s Short Program Showcase
Amber Glenn dazzled the audience with a record-breaking score of 83.05 in her short program, setting a new standard for women’s performances at the event. Following her were Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito, who secured second and third place, respectively, showcasing their own unique styles and high-level athleticism.
Ice Dance and Pairs Competition
In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates continued their dominant run with a top score of 91.70. They aimed for a record-breaking seventh national title while embracing the energy of the audience. Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik were not far behind as they made a case for Olympic selection with an impressive performance, scoring 85.98.
On the pairs side, reigning champions Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov led the short program but faced critical uncertainty over Efimova’s citizenship. Their situation leaves the door open for other pairs, particularly Audrey Shin and Balazs Nagy, to capitalize on any opportunity.
Context & Previous Events
This year’s championships serve as a crucial gateway to the 2026 Winter Olympics, with an Olympic team announcement set for Sunday. The stakes are further intensified following the tragic loss of several members of the figure skating community in a plane crash last year.
As performances continue, all eyes remain on St. Louis, where skaters are not just competing for medals but also for their dreams of representing the United States on the world’s biggest winter sports stage.
