The anticipation is palpable as American ice stars gear up to compete for coveted spots in the Winter Olympics at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Taking place from Jan. 7-11, 2026, this event is the final showdown before the Olympic team is selected, promising high drama on the ice.
Over 180 top American skaters, including reigning world champions Alysa Liu and Ilia Malinin, will showcase their skills in singles, pairs, and ice dance disciplines. While Liu and Malinin are strong contenders for gold in Milan and Cortina, Italy, other spots on the Olympic team are still up for grabs.
Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito are expected to represent the U.S. in women’s singles, while the American men’s team remains uncertain. Ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates are favorites for both Nationals and the Olympics, while Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov have emerged as the top U.S. pairs team.
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships will take place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, with key competitions airing on the USA Channel and NBC. Fans can catch the action starting on Jan. 7, with various events scheduled throughout the week until the Olympic team is announced on Jan. 11.
California native Alysa Liu, known for her mesmerizing performances to Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” faces stiff competition from Texan Amber Glenn and Philadelphia-born Isabeau Levito in the women’s singles category. Veteran skater Bradie Tennell also poses a slim chance of clinching the top spot and securing a place on the Milan team.
In the men’s division, Virginia-born Ilia Malinin, dubbed the “Quad God,” is a strong favorite, with contenders like Jason Brown and Andrew Torgashev vying for Olympic spots. The ice dancers to watch are Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who have dominated the national scene for years.
America is expected to send top pairs teams to Milan, with Efimova and Mitrofanov leading the pack. However, Efimova’s citizenship status could complicate matters, as she seeks eligibility for the Olympic team.
As the U.S. Figure Skating Championships unfold, viewers can expect a thrilling display of talent and determination from the country’s top skaters. The road to the Olympics is paved with fierce competition and relentless pursuit of excellence, making this event a must-watch for figure skating fans everywhere.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.