The U.S. Figure Skating Championships concluded in St. Louis on March 10, 2024, with the announcement of the team set to represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The event showcased remarkable performances, particularly from standout skaters such as Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito. As the competition wrapped up, the strength of the American contingent became evident, setting the stage for an exciting Olympic season.
Women’s Singles: A Historic Showcase
In the women’s singles category, the performances were nothing short of exceptional. Amber Glenn, the two-time defending champion, captivated the audience with her short program to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” earning a record-breaking score of 83.05. Her technical skill was on full display as she executed a flawless triple axel and a series of impressive jumps in her free skate, culminating in a total score of 233.55. This achievement marked her third consecutive national title, making her the first American woman to achieve this feat since Michelle Kwan.
Following closely behind, Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion, finished as the runner-up for the second consecutive year. Liu’s short program score of 81.11 set a record, only to be surpassed by Glenn moments later. Her free skate featured a vibrant Lady Gaga theme, showcasing her technical prowess and engaging choreography. Meanwhile, Isabeau Levito, the 2023 U.S. champion, secured her Olympic spot with a stunning performance that included seven triple jumps, earning a score of 148.73 in her free skate.
The trio of Glenn, Liu, and Levito expressed their excitement during a press conference, with Levito emphasizing her eagerness to experience the Olympic Village atmosphere. “I just know it’ll be the time of my life,” she stated, highlighting the unique experience of competing on an Olympic stage.
Men’s Singles: Dominance of Ilia Malinin
In the men’s singles category, Ilia Malinin reaffirmed his status as a top contender by winning his fourth consecutive national title. Despite scaling back his routine due to a recent boot change, Malinin’s remarkable performance cemented his dominance, finishing with a total score of 324.88. Known as the “Quad God,” he remains the skater to beat heading into the Olympics, expressing enthusiasm for his first official Olympic appearance after being an alternate in 2022.
While Malinin’s spot was secure, the competition for additional Olympic berths was intense. Andrew Torgashev clinched his ticket to Milan with a stellar performance, jumping up the rankings during the free skate. “It is everything I was training for, so I’m glad it came together today,” Torgashev remarked, reflecting on the culmination of his hard work.
Another emotional highlight was the inclusion of Maxim Naumov, whose journey has been deeply personal following the tragic loss of his parents in a plane crash last year. His powerful performances resonated with the audience, and the culmination of his efforts led to a top-three finish, securing his Olympic spot.
Ice Dance and Pairs: Consistency and Challenges
In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates continued their impressive legacy by winning a record-breaking seventh national title. Their performances have established them as one of the most consistent teams in U.S. Figure Skating history, and they are poised to contend for Olympic gold. Bates expressed confidence in their preparation, stating, “We know what to do… and we’re going to roll with that momentum into Milan.”
Conversely, the pairs competition highlighted ongoing challenges for the American teams. Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov secured their second consecutive national title but faced complications regarding eligibility for the Olympics. Despite their victory, Efimova’s citizenship status prevented her from joining the Olympic team, leaving the door open for Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe, who overcame adversity to earn their first Olympic selection.
As the American figure skating team prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympics, the performances in St. Louis have set a promising tone. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the U.S. team is ready to make a mark in Milan, aiming to break a two-decade medal drought in women’s singles and further establish its presence on the Olympic stage.
