Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu Break Records at U.S. Figure Skating Championships

During the opening night of the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu delivered record-breaking performances in the women's short program. Glenn, the two-time defending champion and currently ranked third in the world, scored 83.05 points, surpassing Liu's earlier record of 81.11 points. This remarkable feat positions Glenn in the lead heading into the free skate, which is crucial for Olympic team selection for the upcoming Milan Cortina Games.

The Guardian

Liu, the reigning world champion, showcased her skills with a captivating program set to Laufey’s "Promise," earning a standing ovation from the audience. Her performance was noted for its smooth transitions and emotional depth, reflecting her comeback after a hiatus from the sport due to burnout. Liu expressed her satisfaction, stating, “I feel over the moon right now... that was really good.”

New York Times

Isabeau Levito, the 2023 champion and a former world silver medalist, also performed well, scoring 75.72 points. Levito's strong showing places her as a strong contender for one of the three spots on the U.S. Olympic team. The competition is particularly intense, as the U.S. women have not secured an Olympic gold medal in singles since Sarah Hughes in 2002. The depth of talent among American skaters is evident, with six of the top 17 skaters in the world rankings being American.

New York Times

On the pairs' side, Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov led with a score of 75.31 points. However, Efimova's citizenship status remains uncertain, as she is still awaiting approval to represent the U.S. in the Olympics, which adds complexity to the selection process.

The Guardian

Glenn reflected on her performance, saying, “That’s the most intense I’ve reacted to any skate ever,” attributing her success to the support of her late grandmother. Liu echoed similar sentiments about the competitive environment, noting, “The fact that all of us are that good... is just really good for the crowd.”

New York Times

Despite the excitement surrounding the championships, there are concerns regarding the selection process for the Olympic team, particularly for the pairs. Mitrofanov expressed hope for a "last-minute miracle" regarding Efimova's citizenship status, highlighting the uncertainty that could affect their Olympic aspirations.

The Guardian

The free skate segment of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships is set to take place on Friday, where the final decisions regarding the Olympic team will be made. The performances in this segment will be critical in determining which skaters will represent the United States in Milan.

Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu make short-program history at US Championships

• “and I was happy to see that scores were up, scores were good, and I was able to keep them going up. I felt a responsibility to keep it going better and better and better.” — Amber Glenn

The Guardian

• “That was good. That was real good.” — Alysa Liu

The Guardian

• “We’re hoping maybe a last-minute miracle might happen,” — Misha Mitrofanov

The Guardian

• “I feel like I’m in a really good place right now.” — Isabeau Levito

The Guardian

The U.S. Figure Skating Championships have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion as athletes vie for Olympic glory, showcasing the depth and talent of American figure skating.

New York Times