The U.S. Figure Skating Championships concluded in St. Louis on February 11, 2024, culminating in the announcement of the U.S. Olympic figure skating team for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The event showcased remarkable talent and emotional performances, particularly from standout skaters like Ilia Malinin and the trio of Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito. With the Olympics just around the corner, the championships offered a glimpse into the strength of the American contingent.
Women’s Singles: Record-Breaking Performances
The women’s singles competition was nothing short of electrifying, with skaters delivering breathtaking routines. Amber Glenn, the two-time defending champion, made headlines with her record-breaking short program, scoring 83.05 points, and followed it up with a stellar free skate, earning a total score of 233.55. This achievement made her the first American woman since Michelle Kwan to win three consecutive national titles. Glenn’s journey has been unique, and at 26, she is set to become the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater to debut at the Olympics in 98 years, positioning her as a strong contender for gold in Milan.
Following closely was Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion, who secured the runner-up position with a stunning short program score of 81.11, a record that Glenn soon surpassed. Liu’s return to the ice after a two-year hiatus has been impressive, and her Olympic experience will be invaluable as she aims for success in a post-COVID landscape. The Olympic team also includes Isabeau Levito, the 2023 U.S. champion, who dazzled with her free skate, scoring 148.73 and showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
The camaraderie among the three women was evident during a lively press conference, where they expressed excitement about their upcoming Olympic experience. Levito mentioned her anticipation for the Olympic Village, stating, “I just know it’ll be the time of my life.” Glenn echoed that sentiment, focusing on the team event as a major responsibility, emphasizing her commitment to contributing to the team’s success.
Men’s Singles: Malinin Dominates
In the men’s singles competition, Ilia Malinin solidified his status as a dominant force by claiming his fourth consecutive national title. Despite scaling back his routine due to a recent boot change, Malinin achieved an impressive total score of 324.88, outpacing his competitors by more than 57.26 points. Known as the “Quad God,” Malinin remains the skater to watch as he heads to Milan, excited to represent the United States.
The search for his teammates was intense, as renowned two-time Olympian Jason Brown faced disappointment with an eighth-place finish. However, Andrew Torgashev and Maxim Naumov secured their Olympic spots. Torgashev’s free skate performance, featuring two successful quad jumps, propelled him into the spotlight, while Naumov’s emotional journey, marked by personal loss, resonated with the audience as he fulfilled a lifelong dream.
Naumov shared poignant memories of his late parents, former world champions, and expressed his gratitude for their support. “I owe everything to them,” he stated, underscoring the depth of his commitment to achieving Olympic success.
Ice Dance and Pairs: Historic Moments
In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates made history by winning their record-breaking seventh national title, a remarkable feat that underscores their consistency over the past decade. Their performance was lauded for its technical excellence and artistry, further cementing their position as favorites for Olympic gold. Bates remarked on the importance of maintaining momentum leading into Milan, emphasizing their focus on executing their plan.
The pairs competition, however, revealed challenges for U.S. skaters. While Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov won the national title, their eligibility for the Olympics remains uncertain due to citizenship issues. This situation highlights ongoing difficulties in the pairs discipline, which has not seen a U.S. Olympic medal since 1988.
Despite these setbacks, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, the 2024 national champions, are set to compete in the Olympics. O’Shea noted the significance of this opportunity, reflecting on his journey since childhood and the realization of a lifelong dream.
As the U.S. Olympic figure skating team prepares for the upcoming Games, the performances in St. Louis have set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating Olympic season. The blend of talent, emotion, and determination among these athletes suggests that the U.S. will be a formidable presence on the ice in Milan.
