Key Takeaways
- Ilia Malinin, also known as the "Quad God," delivered a breathtaking performance in his short program at the 2026 U.S. figure skating championships, earning a score of 115.10 and solidifying his position as a top contender for the Winter Olympics.
- Madison Chock and Evan Bates dominated the ice dance competition with a season-best score of 91.70, putting them in a strong position to win their fifth consecutive U.S. title.
- The U.S. figure skating championships will continue with the women’s and pairs competitions, and the Olympic team will be named on January 11.
- Ilia Malinin’s training regimen involves skating a full program at least once a day, with a focus on building stamina and muscle memory for his quad jumps.
- Jason Brown, a 31-year-old figure skater, is seeking to make his third Winter Olympics team and prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Introduction to the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships
The 2026 U.S. figure skating championships have kicked off, and the competition is heating up. The event, which took place in St. Louis, saw Ilia Malinin, also known as the "Quad God," deliver a stunning performance in his short program. Malinin’s routine included two quadruple jumps, including a quad Lutz, and a back flip, earning him a score of 115.10 and putting him in first place. The crowd was wowed by his performance, and he received a standing ovation, with fans tossing stuffed animals onto the ice in celebration.
Ilia Malinin’s Performance and Training Regimen
Malinin’s performance was not only impressive but also emotionally significant for him. He stated that his short program is a deeply personal and emotional piece, and he wants the audience to feel the same emotions that he does when he skates. Malinin’s training regimen is also noteworthy, as he revealed that he likes to skate a full program at least once a day, with a focus on building stamina and muscle memory for his quad jumps. He doesn’t always attempt quad jumps in every practice session, instead opting to focus on triple jumps to conserve energy and prevent injury.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates’ Dominant Performance
Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the dominant ice dance duo, also delivered a spectacular performance, earning a season-best score of 91.70. Their routine, set to a Lenny Kravitz medley, was flawless, and they received a standing ovation from the crowd. Chock and Bates are seeking to win their fifth consecutive U.S. title, and their performance has put them in a strong position to achieve this goal. The duo’s experience and skill were evident in their performance, and they are likely to be a major contender for the Winter Olympics.
The Emotional Performance of Maxim Naumov
Maxim Naumov, who lost his parents in a plane crash in January 2025, delivered an emotional performance in his short program. Although his routine was not perfect, the crowd rallied behind him, and he received a standing ovation. Naumov’s score of 85.72 put him in fourth place, and his emotional performance was a highlight of the evening. The crowd’s support and appreciation for Naumov’s performance were evident, and he was visibly moved by the reaction.
The Upcoming Competitions and Olympic Team Selection
The U.S. figure skating championships will continue with the women’s and pairs competitions, featuring skaters such as Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito. The Olympic team will be named on January 11, and the selection process will take into account past performances, focusing on the athlete’s body of work over the past two seasons. The competition is expected to be fierce, and the skaters will need to deliver their best performances to secure a spot on the Olympic team.
Jason Brown’s Quest for a Third Winter Olympics
Jason Brown, a 31-year-old figure skater, is seeking to make his third Winter Olympics team. Brown, who burst onto the scene in 2014 and won a bronze medal, thought he was done with competitive skating after the 2022 Winter Olympics. However, he has decided to give it another shot, and his performance at the U.S. championships will be crucial in determining his eligibility for the Olympic team. Brown’s experience and skill make him a strong contender, and he is likely to be a major player in the upcoming competitions.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The 2026 U.S. figure skating championships have been an exciting and emotional event so far, with Ilia Malinin’s performance being a highlight of the competition. The upcoming competitions and Olympic team selection will be closely watched, and the skaters will need to deliver their best performances to secure a spot on the Olympic team. With the Winter Olympics just around the corner, the stakes are high, and the competition is expected to be fierce. The skaters will need to be at the top of their game to succeed, and the audience can expect to see some thrilling performances in the coming days.