The U.S. Figure Skating Championships are taking place this week in St. Louis, serving as the last major event before the Winter Olympics. Skaters are eager to secure their spots for Milan Cortino next month.
In the men’s event, 22-year-old Ilia Malinin stands out. Known as the “Quad God,” he has been undefeated since 2023 and is the first to land a quadruple axel, a notoriously tricky jump. During the short program, he scored 115.10 points, leading by 25 points over Tomoki Hiwatashi, who scored 89.26. Hiwatashi charmed the crowd with his performance to “Free Bird,” saying, “I hear them cheering me on; it’s fun for me.”
Another notable competitor is 31-year-old Jason Brown, who is trying for his third Olympic appearance. He impressed the audience with his “Riverdance” routine, earning a score of 88.49. Brown called this performance “a love note to the audience.”
Maxim Naumov, meanwhile, is skating emotionally after losing both of his parents in a tragic plane crash last year. Holding a photo of them, he shared that his parents’ resilience inspires him as he competes this season. He placed fourth with a score of 85.72.
As Malinin seems to have secured his spot, the remaining two places on the team are up for grabs, with Brown likely strong for one of them. Others, like Naumov and fifth-place Andrew Torgashev, are in the running too.
In the women’s short program, Amber Glenn made headlines by scoring 83.05, breaking the record for the highest women’s short program score at this championship. Her performance to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” thrilled the audience and left them dancing.
Right behind her, Alysa Liu earned 81.11 points, showcasing athleticism and charm after returning to the sport following a brief retirement. The 20-year-old described her performance as her favorite yet. Isabeau Levito, the 2023 U.S. champion, scored 75.75, reflecting her playful personality through her routine.
In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates are ahead with a score of 91.70, aiming for their seventh national title. Their rhythm dance flatters their reigning world champion title and puts them in solid contention for the Olympics.
A key story lies with Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, who aim for the Olympic team after Kolesnik only became a U.S. citizen recently. The pair’s upbeat rhythm dance earned them a score of 85.98.
Many teams are preparing for the final day of competition, and all eyes will be on the Olympic team announcement this Sunday.
### Recent Statistics
– Over the past decade, the U.S. figure skating community has seen a 20% increase in participation rates among youth, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity.
– According to a recent survey, 78% of viewers enjoyed watching the championships live, with many praising the athletes’ dedication and performances.
As the skaters finish their routines, anticipation for the Olympic Games builds. The captivating performances represent not only skill but the culmination of years of hard work.
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