2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships: Defending champs Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov lead after short program
Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov are making headlines in the world of figure skating as they take a significant step towards defending their national title. At the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in St. Louis, Missouri, the Boston-based pairs team claimed the top spot with an impressive score of 75.31 on Day 1 of the competition.
“This has been by far our best program so far,” a jubilant Mitrofanov shared with reporters, reflecting on the energy and precision they brought to the ice.
Holding an eight-point advantage over their nearest competitors, Efimova and Mitrofanov are showing remarkable consistency, especially against a field packed with fresh talent. In second place, Audrey Shin and Balazs Nagy impressed with a score of 67.67, while 2024 champions Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea trailed closely behind in third with 67.13 points.
Valentina Plazas and Maximiliano Fernandez secured the fourth position with 67.07, closely pursued by Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman who earned 66.81. Each performance is critical, especially as the event plays a pivotal role in selections for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina.
Despite their triumph, the atmosphere isn’t devoid of tension for Efimova, who is currently awaiting her U.S. citizenship—a prerequisite for competing with Team USA. “We’re still hoping to have a last-minute miracle,” Mitrofanov stated, emphasizing the challenges their team has faced off the ice. “All we do is focus on what we’re able to do, which is on the ice.”
As two pairs spots are available for the upcoming Olympics, the stakes could not be higher. As the championships progress, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly following each performance, knowing the results carry weight not only for titles but also Olympic dreams.
