The U.S. Figure Skating Championships concluded on Sunday in St. Louis, culminating in the announcement of the team that will represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The event showcased a series of impressive performances, highlighted by Ilia Malinin‘s dynamic skating and the remarkable talent of Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito. As excitement builds towards the Olympics, the strength of the American figure skating contingent has never been clearer.
Women’s Singles: A Competitive Showcase
The women’s singles competition proved to be a thrilling spectacle. Amber Glenn, the two-time defending champion, dazzled the audience with her short program set to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” earning a record-breaking score of 83.05. Her free skate performance was no less impressive, culminating in a total score of 233.55, making her the first American woman to secure three consecutive national titles since Michelle Kwan.
At just 26 years old, Glenn will also make history as the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater to debut at the Olympics in nearly a century. Following closely behind her was Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion, who delivered two stunning performances, ultimately finishing as the runner-up. Liu’s short program score of 81.11 marked a momentous achievement, even if it was surpassed by Glenn moments later.
Rounding out the Olympic team is Isabeau Levito, the 2023 U.S. champion, who displayed her elegance and skill with an impressive free skate score of 148.73. The excitement was palpable in the press conference following their performances, as the trio expressed their camaraderie and enthusiasm for the upcoming Olympics.
Men’s Singles: Dominance of Malinin
In the men’s singles, Ilia Malinin solidified his reputation as a top contender by securing his fourth consecutive national title. Despite scaling back his program due to a recent boot change, Malinin’s total score of 324.88 showcased a commanding lead of over 57.26 points against his competitors. Known as the “Quad God,” Malinin expressed his excitement for his first Olympic appearance, having been an alternate in 2022.
While Jason Brown, the beloved two-time Olympian, faced disappointment with an eighth-place finish, Andrew Torgashev and Maxim Naumov successfully claimed their spots on the Olympic team. Torgashev’s remarkable free skate propelled him from fifth place to secure his Olympic dream, while Naumov’s emotional journey following the loss of his parents resonated deeply with audiences. His heartfelt tribute to them during the competition underscored the significance of this achievement.
Ice Dance and Pairs: Historic Moments
The ice dance competition highlighted the consistency and skill of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who captured their seventh national title and fifth in a row. Their ability to perform with technical precision and artistry has made them a formidable pair in the sport. Bates remarked on the momentum they have built leading into the Olympics, expressing confidence in their preparation.
In pairs, the situation was more complex. While Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov won their second consecutive national title, their eligibility for the Olympics remains uncertain due to citizenship issues. As a result, the selection committee had to navigate a challenging landscape, ultimately picking Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea for the team. O’Shea, at 34, will become the oldest American pairs skater to compete at the Olympics since 1932.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw near, the U.S. figure skating team is preparing to take on the world stage in Milan. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the team is poised for a competitive showing that could end a two-decade-long medal drought in women’s singles. The anticipation for these athletes’ performances is palpable, and the journey towards Olympic glory has only just begun.
