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2w ago

Leaders Emerge at U.S. Figure Skating Nationals With Efimova’s Olympic Eligibility Unresolved

Olympic citizenship rules leave top pair contender Alisa Efimova waiting on approval.

Image
Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov perform in the pairs short program during the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Enterprise Center.
Alysa Liu performed in the Gala Exhibition last month in Nagoya, Japan.
Figure Skating - ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating - Grand Prix Final - Aichi International Arena, Nagoya, Japan - December 6, 2025 Ilia Malinin of the U.S. reacts after performing in the Men's Free Skating REUTERS/Issei Kato

Overview

  • Two-time defending champion Amber Glenn set a U.S. short-program record with 83.05 to lead the women ahead of world champion Alysa Liu (81.11) and Isabeau Levito.
  • Pairs leaders Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov scored a season-best 75.31, but Mitrofanov said they are not currently eligible for the Olympics as Efimova awaits a waiver to expedite U.S. citizenship.
  • The U.S. Olympic figure skating roster is expected Sunday, leaving a narrow window for any decision that could determine whether one of America’s top pairs can be named to the team.
  • World champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates posted a season-best 91.70 in the rhythm dance to take a strong lead over Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik.
  • Two-time world champion Ilia Malinin delivered a 115.10 short program to open a commanding advantage as he pursues a fourth straight national title.