The excitement is building as the best figure skaters from across the United States prepare for the highly anticipated 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, Missouri. With national titles and coveted berths for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 up for grabs, this event promises to showcase some of the most talented athletes in the sport.
Leading the charge is none other than the sensational Ilia Malinin, often referred to as the “Quad God.” The three-time and reigning American champion is in pursuit of a historic fourth consecutive title. In an exhilarating performance during the men’s short program on Thursday night, Malinin executed his trademark quad jumps with finesse, scoring an astounding U.S. record of 115.10 points, widening his lead to a dramatic 26-point margin.
“I really pushed myself,” Malinin stated, breathless from his electrifying routine set to the theme “Lost Crown.” “I came here with new skates and thought I was going to play it safe, but I really impressed myself.”
If Malinin secures the championship this year, he will join an elite group of skaters, including Nathan Chen, Brian Boitano, and Scott Hamilton, who have all accomplished four consecutive wins in the past fifty years. Eyes are also on him as he gears up for further success at the upcoming Olympic Games.
Right on Malinin’s heels is former world junior champion Tomoki Hiwatashi, whose score of 89.26 placed him in second and solidified his hopes for one of the threer U.S. men’s spots in Milano. Meanwhile, Jason Brown, the 2015 U.S. champion and two-time Olympian, fell short with an emotional performance, settling for third with a score of 88.49. Rounding out the top contenders are Maxim Naumov in fourth with 85.72 and Andrew Torgashev in fifth with 84.99.
The anticipation for the remainder of the championships is palpable as more amazing performances are yet to come. As skaters vie for Olympic spots, all eyes will be on these athletes as they take to the ice, proving that the journey to Milano Cortina 2026 is only just beginning.
