2026 U.S. Skating Nationals Preview

Ilia Malinin © Pinterest

The road to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 runs through St. Louis, Missouri, this week. As the best American skaters gather for the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the stakes couldn’t be higher: national titles are on the line, and the final Olympic roster will be decided.

The Favorites: Defending the Throne

The headlines are dominated by a trio of powerhouse champions looking to extend their dominance. Ilia Malinin, the two-time reigning World Champion and “Quad God,” seeks his fourth straight national title. In the women’s field, Amber Glenn enters as the Grand Prix Final winner, aiming for a three-peat. Meanwhile, veteran ice dancers Chock and Batesare chasing their fifth consecutive U.S. win and seventh overall.

Key Matchups to Watch

While the favorites are strong, the depth of the U.S. field ensures intense battles for the podium. The women’s event features a high-stakes showdown between Glenn and reigning World Champion Alysa Liu. In the men’s event, the steady Jason Brown remains a top contender behind Malinin, while the ice dance competition sees the highly anticipated return of Olympic medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani.

Event Schedule and Coverage

The competition kicks off Wednesday, January 7, with the Pairs and Women’s Short Programs. It continues through the week, culminating in the high-stakes Free Dance and Men’s Free Skate on Saturday, January 10. Fans can catch the action live across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock as the best in the nation fight for their dreams.

With Olympic dreams hanging in the balance, every jump and spin in St. Louis brings these athletes one step closer to the global stage in Milan.

Source: article on olympics.com, published January 5, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer