The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships continued to captivate fans on January 7, 2026, at the Enterprise Center and Centene Community Ice Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Running from January 4 through January 11, this prestigious competition showcases elite athletes from across the nation vying for national titles in men’s and women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance. In addition to the titles up for grabs, the event is crucial for skaters seeking selection for international championships, including the Winter Olympics and the World Championships. The results from St. Louis are pivotal in shaping the U.S. figure skating team for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, with standout performances influencing final selection decisions for Team USA.
On January 7, the competition reached an exciting point, with many athletes performing strong programs that set the stage for the final standings. Among the most anticipated events, the women’s singles competition drew significant attention, and Amber Glenn emerged as one of the leading contenders after a spectacular short program. Her performance, which included a clean triple Axel, earned her high scores and placed her firmly at the top of the leaderboard. Glenn, already a seasoned competitor with multiple national titles under her belt, demonstrated the poise and precision that have made her one of the top U.S. skaters. Her performance in St. Louis confirmed her status as a strong favorite for the national title and a likely spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
Other young rising stars in the women’s field, such as Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito, also impressed with clean technical routines and expressive skating. Liu, a former national champion, displayed her usual flair and strong technical abilities, while Levito’s program was noted for its artistic quality and smooth execution. These performances signaled the future of American women’s figure skating, where new talent is pushing for positions on the Olympic team, making this competition even more thrilling as the selections draw nearer.
In the pairs competition, the performances were just as intense. Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, the defending national champions, skated with elegance and precision, showing why they continue to be the top team in the U.S. Their short program was filled with intricate lifts, throws, and synchronized skating, earning them high marks from the judges. They maintained their position at the top, with a strong chance to defend their title and represent the U.S. at international events. The pairs field remained competitive, with several teams vying for attention and positions on the Olympic team. With strong routines in the next few days, the top pair will be solidified, and the competition promises to be a thrilling conclusion.
The men’s singles competition also saw remarkable performances. Ilia Malinin, known for his technical prowess and innovative jump combinations, thrilled the audience with his trademark quadruple jumps. His short program was flawless, setting him up for a commanding lead in the event. Malinin, who has become one of the most exciting names in U.S. figure skating, has already made his mark as a future contender on the world stage. His performance in St. Louis reinforced his place at the top of American men’s figure skating, and it seemed clear that he would be one of the front-runners for an Olympic berth.
As the competition continued, the ice dance event featured some of the most elegant and dramatic skating of the evening. The teams demonstrated incredible synchronization and intricate footwork as they performed their rhythm dances, which serve as the technical portion of the event. Veterans of the sport and new teams alike battled for Olympic spots, with each performance showcasing a unique blend of athleticism and artistry. The depth of the ice dance competition in the U.S. was evident, with multiple teams showing the ability to challenge for international titles in the upcoming season.
The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships are more than just a domestic competition; they serve as the final qualifying event for athletes hoping to secure spots on the U.S. Olympic team. As the event progresses through its final stages, the performances on the ice are being scrutinized not only for their technical difficulty but also for the emotional and artistic qualities that make figure skating such a captivating sport. Each jump, spin, and choreography sequence carries significant weight, as skaters understand that their Olympic dreams are on the line. The stakes could not be higher, and every competitor is focused on delivering their best performances.
In addition to the athletes already making their mark, the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships offer a glimpse into the next generation of skaters. The competition has become a showcase for young talent who will be the faces of U.S. figure skating in future years. As these athletes strive for their spot in Olympic history, the national championships in St. Louis provide a dramatic and inspiring moment for fans, who are seeing some of the best performances the sport has to offer.
By the end of the event, the final selections for the U.S. Olympic Team will be made, setting the stage for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The skaters who secure their place on the Olympic team will have earned it through intense competition, perfect performances, and years of preparation. For the skaters and their coaches, the results from St. Louis will be the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, leading to the opportunity to represent the United States on the world’s biggest stage. The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis have set the tone for an exciting winter season and have delivered thrilling moments that will long be remembered in the figure skating community.