The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships brought a spectacular blend of artistry, athleticism, and personal triumph to the ice in St. Louis. Against the backdrop of a packed arena and the looming Milano‑Cortina Winter Olympics just weeks away, the nation’s top skaters delivered performances that made history, brought on the waterworks, and set the tone for Team USA’s Olympic hopes.

Men’s

Ilia Malinin continued to light up the ice, claiming his fourth consecutive U.S. title (324.88) with poise and precision. His free skate, marked by multiple clean quadruple jumps and expressive choreography, confirmed his status as a favorite for international glory. “It’s been a journey,” Malinin said of the season. “This competition is a milestone, but the real challenge is still ahead.” His dominant total score reflected that readiness as he outpaced his rivals by a comfortable margin.

In silver and bronze were Andrew Torgashev (267.62), pulling off a fantastic season’s best performance to secure second place, followed by Maxim Naumov (249.16), earning the final podium spot with one of the most emotionally beautiful performances in the competition.

Women’s

At the heart of the event was the women’s field, where Amber Glenn etched her name in the record books with a performance that combined power, artistry, and resilience. Glenn earned her third straight national title (233.55), an achievement not seen since Michelle Kwan, and did so with a fantastic triple axel to the delight of all watching around the world.

Behind Glenn, the rest of the women’s podium did not disappoint. Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion who returned from retirement, finished a strong second (228.91) with her signature dynamism and creativity, while rising star Isabeau Levito claimed third (224.45) and a well-deserved personal best to boot.

With one of the most charming moments of the meet, the three ladies embraced after Glenn’s victory: a shining reminder that competition does not need to lead to animosity. Between the Japanese and US ladies this season, it’s truly moving to see such open and sincere sportsmanship in the discipline.

Pairs

In pairs, Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov continued their reign as national champions, blending technical solidity with graceful unison (207.71). The duo impressed with their throw jumps, side-by-side elements, and refined unison, demonstrating their growing confidence; making it all the more disappointing that due to citizenship issues, the pair will not be able to represent the USA at the Olympics.

In second place was Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea (197.12), who performed one of their best free skates this season and Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman (187.45), placing them back on the podium after their silver in 2025.

Ice Dance

Who else but Madison Chock and Evan Bates could claim a record seventh U.S. national title (228.87), extending their legacy as the most successful American ice dance team in championship history. Their intricate free dance, performed to a flamenco‑inspired arrangement, was a testament to their enduring partnership and artistic evolution.

Few rises this season have been as pleasing to watch as that of Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik (otherwise known as affectionately by fans as Zingnik), who skated their way to a well-earned silver (213.65), followed by another equally beloved pair, Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko (known as CPom) who clinched bronze with a solid total of 206.95.

With nationals wrapped up, here are the final selections for the Olympics:

Men’s:

• Ilia Malinin

• Andrew Torgashev

• Maxim Naumov

Women’s:

• Amber Glenn

• Alysa Liu

• Isabeau Levito

Pairs:

• Ellie Kam & Danny O’Shea

• Emily Chan & Spencer Akira Howe

Ice Dance:

• Madison Chock & Evan Bates

• Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik

• Christina Carreira & Anthony Ponomarenko