What's Happening?
Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu made history at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, Missouri, by setting new records in the women's short program. Alysa Liu, the 2025 world champion, initially
set a U.S. Championships short-program record with a score of 81.11. However, Amber Glenn, the two-time defending American champion, surpassed Liu's score with an 83.05, taking the lead after the first half of the competition. Both skaters are vying for spots on the U.S. Olympic team for the upcoming Milano Cortina Games. The top three skaters, including Isabeau Levito, who scored 75.71, are currently in positions to qualify for the Olympics. The competition continues with the free skate on Friday, which will determine the final Olympic team members.
Why It's Important?
The performances of Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships are significant as they not only set new records but also highlight the competitive nature of the selection process for the U.S. Olympic team. With the Milano Cortina Games approaching, these championships serve as a critical platform for athletes to secure their spots on the team. The results of this competition will have a direct impact on the composition of the U.S. figure skating team, influencing the country's chances at the Olympics. Additionally, the event showcases the depth of talent in U.S. figure skating, with multiple athletes capable of achieving high scores and potentially medaling at international competitions.
What's Next?
The next phase of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships will see the free skate performances, which will finalize the selection of the U.S. Olympic team. The competition is particularly intense in the pairs category, where Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov lead but face uncertainty due to Efimova's pending U.S. citizenship. If she does not obtain citizenship by Sunday, the pair will be ineligible to represent the U.S. at the Olympics, opening up the competition for other pairs. This situation adds an additional layer of complexity and anticipation to the upcoming performances, as athletes and fans await the final decisions.
