The US Figure Skating Championships are heating up in St. Louis this week as Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and Madison Chock & Evan Bates compete for national titles and crucial Olympic berths for Milano Cortina 2026. With more than 180 athletes competing from January 7-11 at the Enterprise Center, the stakes are higher than ever as skaters aim to secure their spots on Team USA for the Winter Games.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Ilia Malinin seeks his fourth straight national title and first Olympic berth
- Alysa Liu, the 2025 World Champion, competes in women’s singles after her comeback
- Madison Chock & Evan Bates aim for a record-breaking seventh U.S. ice dance title
- Olympic spots awarded: 3 for men’s singles, 3 for women’s singles, and corresponding pairs/dance positions for Team USA
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Ilia Malinin, the two-time World Champion and known as the “Quad God,” arrives at nationals as the overwhelming favorite in men’s singles. The George Mason University student has dominated the men’s field and seeks to secure his Olympic spot while claiming his fourth consecutive national title.
Malinin told reporters he does not intend to take unnecessary risks this week. His technical prowess and consistency place him in an enviable position, though the competitive field always presents challenges. Strong performances from other American skaters could impact final selections for the Milan Games.
Glenn and Liu Battle for Women’s Crown
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Amber Glenn, 26 years old, is determined to become the first woman to win three consecutive U.S. titles since Michelle Kwan. After facing mental health challenges and concussions early in her career, Glenn has forged an impressive comeback that captured national attention.
Alysa Liu, the 2025 World Champion, enters nationals as a formidable challenger. The 20-year-old made her stunning comeback in the 2024-25 season after retiring at age 16 and has proven she remains a top contender. Liu won the 2025 Grand Prix Final and secured her return as a force in women’s figure skating competition.
| Division | Top Contenders | Recent Achievement |
| Men’s Singles | Ilia Malinin | 2-time World Champion |
| Women’s Singles | Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu | Glenn 2x defending, Liu 2025 World champion |
| Ice Dance | Madison Chock & Evan Bates | 3-time World Champions |
| Pairs | Championship field | 180+ total athletes competing |
Historic Chock & Bates Seek Record Seventh National Title
Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the three-time World Champions, are on an undefeated streak and aiming for a record-breaking seventh U.S. ice dance title this week. The married couple, who married last year, remain focused on Olympic glory and have proven their dominance on the world stage.
Chock and Bates have won the last three global crowns and represent the strongest American partnership in ice dance. Their quest for a seventh national crown demonstrates their commitment to excellence. The married partners train in Montreal and continue to push the boundaries of ice dance artistry and technique.
Olympic Qualification Stakes and Milano Cortina 2026
These championships represent the final critical step toward the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The International Skating Union awarded quota spots to nations based on placements at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships and the ISU Skate to Milano qualifier.
The United States earned multiple berths across all four disciplines. Strong performances at nationals will directly impact which skaters represent Team USA in February. With over 180 competitors spanning all age groups, the week showcases the depth of American figure skating talent.
What Makes This Championship So Critical for Team USA’s Olympic Dreams?
These championships serve as more than just the crowning of national champions. Officials and selectors use results to finalize Team USA rosters for Milano Cortina 2026. Every skater competing this week has one goal: prove they belong on the Olympic team.
Broadcasting is available on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock throughout the week. Fans can follow championship pairs short program on Wednesday, January 7, women’s short program the same day, and continuing programming through January 11. The event marks one of the most important competitions en route to the Winter Games.
Sources
- Olympics.com – Official 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships coverage and results
- NBC Sports – Championship broadcasting and athlete profiles
- U.S. Figure Skating – Official organization and competitor information
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