Sun Jan 11 19:10:00 UTC 2026: # Malinin Dominates, Naumov Skates with Grief as U.S. Figure Skating Championships Heat Up Olympic Race

St. Louis, MO – January 8, 2026 – The U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the final qualifying event for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortino, are underway in St. Louis, showcasing the nation’s top skating talent. The competition has already witnessed record-setting performances and emotional displays, with athletes vying for coveted Olympic berths. While the official team announcement is slated for Sunday, the championships highlight the talent and challenges faced by these athletes.

The men’s short program saw Ilia “Quad God” Malinin take a commanding lead, while veterans like Jason Brown and rising stars like Maxim Naumov delivered compelling performances. In the women’s event, Amber Glenn set a new U.S. Championship record. Ice dancing and pairs teams also put on impressive shows, though citizenship hurdles may impact the final Olympic team composition.

Key Points

  • Ilia Malinin secured a significant lead in the men’s short program with a score of 115.10, nearly 26 points ahead of his closest competitor.
  • Amber Glenn achieved a record-setting score of 83.05 in the women’s short program.
  • Maxim Naumov skated an emotional program following the loss of his parents in a plane crash, holding a photo of them in the kiss-and-cry area.
  • Jason Brown revived his iconic “Riverdance” program, earning a standing ovation.
  • In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates lead with a season’s best score of 91.70.
  • The Olympic team will be announced on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET.
  • Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov are hoping for a “last-minute miracle” this week as they await news on their expedited application for U.S. citizenship before Sunday’s Olympic team selection.

Key Takeaways

  • Ilia Malinin’s dominance in the men’s event makes him a near-certainty for the Olympic team.
  • The competition for the remaining Olympic spots is fierce, with several athletes in close contention.
  • Personal stories of resilience, like Maxim Naumov’s, add emotional depth to the championships.
  • Citizenship issues continue to impact team selections.
  • Veteran skaters like Jason Brown, and Madison Chock and Evan Bates demonstrate sustained excellence.

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