In a captivating display of athleticism and artistry, Amber Glenn soared to victory at the US Figure Skating Championships on Friday night, landing a massive triple axel en route to defending her national title. The 25-year-old from Plano, Texas delivered when it mattered most, pulling out a spectacular free skate to best rising star Alysa Liu in a nail-biting finish.
Glenn Rises to the Occasion
Despite trailing Liu by nearly six points after a disappointing short program, Glenn refused to be denied. She came out firing in the free skate, nailing her signature triple axel to set the tone for a flawless performance that brought the Wichita crowd to its feet.
That triple axel was absolutely huge. You could see the determination in Amber’s eyes – she was not going to let this title slip away.
– Johnny Weir, NBC commentator
Glenn’s free skate score of 216.79 points was a masterclass in precision and power. She showcased her full arsenal of jumps, spins, and captivating choreography to fend off the fierce challenge from Liu.
Liu’s Valiant Effort Falls Just Short
Alysa Liu, the teenage phenom making a comeback after a two-year retirement, gave Glenn all she could handle. The two-time former champion was brilliant through most of her free skate, but a slight error on her final spin may have made the difference, as she finished with 215.33 points, just 1.46 behind Glenn.
Still, it was a remarkable return to the national stage for the 18-year-old Liu. After stepping away from competition in 2023, many wondered if she could recapture the form that made her the youngest-ever US champion. Her performances in Wichita left no doubt that she remains a force to be reckoned with.
Chock and Bates Dazzle in Rhythm Dance
Earlier in the evening, ice dance sensations Madison Chock and Evan Bates staked their claim to a fourth consecutive national title with a sparkling rhythm dance. The two-time defending world champs danced through decades of American pop music to take a commanding lead heading into Saturday’s free dance.
Chock and Bates scored 92.16 points, nearly 10 more than second-place finishers Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko. The energetic program began with a playful romp to Hawaii Five-0, then twisted through Let’s Twist Again, boogied to the Bee Gees, and brought down the house with a rousing rendition of YMCA from the Village People.
Madison and Evan are in peak form right now. That was an absolute joy to watch from start to finish – they had the crowd in the palms of their hands.
– Tanith White, NBC analyst
With a sixth national title, Chock and Bates would tie the record held by Meryl Davis and Charlie White. And based on their rhythm dance, they look every bit the golden pair as the figure skating world turns its attention to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
The Rivalry Intensifies
As the US Championships wrap up this weekend, one thing is abundantly clear: the budding rivalry between Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu has the potential to define this Olympic cycle for American figure skating. Both immensely talented and driven competitors, their contrasting styles and compelling storylines are sure to captivate fans all the way to Milan in 2026.
For now, the night belongs to Glenn, the Texas native who refused to relinquish her grip on gold. But with Liu serving notice that she is back and hungrier than ever, the stage is set for an epic duel between America’s ice queens in the months and years to come.
