ISU Four Continents Championships 2026: Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov clinch maiden pairs gold medal
U.S. figure skaters Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov have made waves at the ISU Four Continents Championships 2026 held in Beijing, claiming their first gold medal in the pairs category with an electrifying free skating program on Saturday, January 24. Their impressive performance not only showcased their talent but also propelled them ahead of the hometown favorites, Sui Wenjing and Han Cong, who had to settle for silver.
Entering the free skating program, Efimova and Mitrofanov were in a challenging spot, trailing the renowned Chinese duo by over four points. However, the young Americans delivered a routine filled with intricate choreography and remarkable synchronization, achieving a winning total score of 205.34. Their free skating score of 133.49 was mere points away from setting a new personal best.
The emergence of Efimova and Mitrofanov as a dominant force in pairs skating adds a new layer of excitement to the sport. In a gripping turn of events, Japan’s Nagaoka Yuna and Moriguchi Sumitada secured third place with a cumulative score of 197.46, showcasing their own strong performance throughout the competition.
Perhaps the most stunning outcome came from the reigning Olympic champions, Sui Wenjing and Han Cong. Despite leading after the short program, the two-time world champions faltered during the free skating, unable to complete a crucial throw jump and ultimately finishing in fourth place for the segment. With a total score of 200.99, they found themselves overwhelmed by their competition.
As the dust settles in Beijing, the thrilling results of the ISU Four Continents Championships 2026 highlight the resilience and emerging talent in professional figure skating, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
