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11h ago

Efimova, Mitrofanov Lead U.S. Pairs Short Program as Citizenship Status Clouds Olympic Bid

Their Olympic hopes hinge on a citizenship ruling that has yet to arrive.

Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov perform in the pairs short program during the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Enterprise Center.
Amber Glenn took the lead at the US Figure Skating Championships after a record score in the women's short program
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Overview

  • They posted a season-best 75.31 to top the U.S. Championships short program, ahead of Audrey Shin/Balazs Nagy and Ellie Kam/Danny O'Shea.
  • The Olympic Charter requires competitors to be citizens of the country they represent, leaving the pair ineligible at present.
  • Efimova’s green card was approved in July 2024, and she is seeking a waiver of the three-year waiting period for naturalization.
  • U.S. Figure Skating is expected to announce its Olympic team on Sunday, creating a narrow window for any change in eligibility.
  • The pair’s potential absence could weaken U.S. medal prospects in pairs and the team event, where the U.S. has not medaled in pairs since 1988.