Thu Jan 30 07:40:00 UTC 2025: ## US Figure Skaters Ready for Home-Ice Advantage at World Championships

**Boston, MA –** The US Figure Skating Championships concluded in Wichita, Kansas, with a dazzling display of talent and a clear message: the American team is ready to contend for medals at the upcoming World Championships in Boston. The competition served not only as a qualifier for the World Championships but also as a crucial stepping stone toward the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Reigning champion Alysa Glenn successfully defended her national title, despite admitting to not feeling her best. Her performance, highlighted by a landed triple Axel, secured her a spot on the World team. A remarkable comeback story unfolded with the return of 19-year-old Amber Liu, who took silver after a three-year retirement. Liu expressed surprise at her placement, emphasizing her focus on program execution rather than competitive standings.

Teenage sensation Isabeau Levito, silver medalist at the 2024 Worlds, also secured a place on the team, pending clearance from return-to-play protocol following a foot injury.

In ice dancing, the dominant Madison Chock and Evan Bates, married last summer, claimed their sixth national title. Their performance, a jazz-themed free skate, solidified their status as favorites heading into the World Championships in Boston. They will be joined by Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, and Caroline Green and Michael Parsons.

The pairs competition saw a stunning victory for Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, a relatively new team. Efimova, formerly representing Russia, and Mitrofanov, who connected via Instagram, will compete just a short drive from their training rink in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Men’s singles saw defending World champion Ilia Malinin once again impress with his technical prowess, landing seven quadruple jumps (including a quad Axel) in his free skate. While acknowledging a fall, Malinin expressed satisfaction with his progress, particularly in the artistry accompanying his jumps. He’ll be joined by Andrew Torgashev and Jason Brown (pending return-to-play protocol after missing Nationals due to injury). Camden Pulkinen will serve as the first alternate.

With the World Championships on home ice, the US team is brimming with confidence and poised to make a significant impact on the world stage.

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