Road to Milano-Cortina: U.S. Figure Skating Championships Kick Off Olympic Selection
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| Olympic Dreams on the Line: Your Guide to the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships |
The final, crucial step on the road to the 2026 Winter Olympics begins this week in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships, running from January 7-12 at the Heritage Sports Center, are far more than a national title event. They serve as the primary selection competition for the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team, with the world watching to see which athletes will earn the right to compete in Milano-Cortina.
📅 The Championship Schedule at a Glance
The competition features every discipline across six days of events. The senior-level competitions, which determine the Olympic team, culminate this weekend. All times listed are Central Time (CT).
| Date & Time (CT) | Discipline & Segment |
|---|---|
| Tue, Jan. 7 | Junior & Novice Events (Pattern Dance, Pairs SP, Women's SP) |
| Wed, Jan. 8 | Junior & Novice Events (Men's SP, Free Dance, Pairs FS, Women's FS) |
| Thu, Jan. 9 | Junior & Novice Events (Men's FS), Senior Pairs Short Program |
| Fri, Jan. 10 | Senior Rhythm Dance, Senior Women's Short Program |
| Sat, Jan. 11 | Senior Men's Short Program, Senior Pairs Free Skate, Senior Free Dance |
| Sun, Jan. 12 | Senior Women's Free Skate, Senior Men's Free Skate, Victory Ceremony |
🥇 What’s at Stake: Olympic Team Selection
This championship is the most significant event in the U.S. figure skating calendar. The U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team will be named on Sunday, January 12, following the conclusion of all events. While the final team is formally selected by U.S. Figure Skating's International Selection Committee, performances here carry the greatest weight. The committee uses a "body of work" criterion, but athletes who deliver under the immense pressure of Nationals dramatically strengthen their case for a spot in Italy.
⭐ Skaters to Watch
The competition features a compelling mix of defending champions, rising stars, and seasoned veterans:
Ilia Malinin: The reigning World Champion and U.S. champion, famous for his pioneering quadruple Axel, is the overwhelming favorite in the Men's event. All eyes will be on his technical mastery.
Isabeau Levito: The 2024 U.S. champion is looking to reclaim the women's title with her elegant artistry and refined technical elements.
Madison Chock & Evan Bates: The iconic ice dance duo, reigning World and U.S. champions, are expected to captivate once again as they pursue a second Olympic medal.
Audrey Lu & Misha Mitrofanov: The top American pairs team will aim to solidify their position with strong performances in a highly competitive field.
📺 How to Watch
Fans can catch all the action:
Broadcast: Key senior events will air live on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock.
Streaming: Live coverage and full event replays will be available on Peacock and the Skating ISU YouTube channel for international viewers.
Real-Time Updates: Follow live scores and detailed results on the official U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone website.
The stage is set for a dramatic week of athleticism and artistry. As skaters vie for national glory and Olympic dreams, the 2026 U.S. Championships promise to be an unforgettable spectacle.
About This Analysis: This summary is compiled from official U.S. Figure Skating communications and reporting from major sports news outlets including Yahoo Sports, USA Today, and the Associated Press.
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