In a captivating showdown at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Amber Glenn successfully defended her national title, narrowly outscoring comeback sensation Alysa Liu. The Wichita, Kansas crowd witnessed world-class athleticism and artistry as the two stars fought for the top spot on the podium.
Glenn’s Massive Triple Axel Seals the Deal
Despite a disappointing short program that left her trailing Liu by nearly six points, the 25-year-old Texan refused to lose faith. Glenn took to the ice determined to prove her mettle, opening her free skate with a breathtaking triple axel that sent the audience into a frenzy.
That triple axel was absolutely huge. It gave Amber the momentum she needed to deliver a flawless program and rack up those technical points.
NBC Sports figure skating analyst Johnny Weir
Glenn’s free skate showcased her signature power, precision, and passion. She earned a score of 216.79, setting a daunting target for Liu to match.
Liu’s Valiant Effort Falls Just Short
Liu, the wunderkind who claimed two U.S. titles before taking a two-year hiatus, skated with her trademark grace and flair. However, a slight error on her final spin may have cost her those precious few points to overtake Glenn.
- Liu scored 215.33, just 1.46 points shy of Glenn’s winning total
- Without the spin mistake, Liu likely would have edged out Glenn for gold
Still, Liu’s incredible return to national competition after a lengthy break demonstrated her immense talent and competitive drive. At just 17 years old, she has a bright future ahead.
Tennell Stumbles as Everhardt Rises
Two-time champion Bradie Tennell, who sat second after the short program, had a disappointing free skate that saw her drop off the podium entirely. Instead, it was 18-year-old rising star Sarah Everhardt who snatched the bronze medal with a stunning performance.
Ice Dance Outlook: Chock and Bates Dominate
Reigning world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates took a commanding lead in the rhythm dance event, scoring 92.16 points with a fun and creative routine spanning three decades of American music.
- Chock and Bates mixed songs from the 1950s to the 1970s
- Notable selections included “Hawaii Five-O”, “Let’s Twist Again”, and “YMCA”
- The innovative program underscored their status as gold medal favorites
Chock and Bates are in a league of their own right now. That rhythm dance was an absolute masterclass in combining required elements with entertaining choreography and storytelling.
Olympic ice dance champion Meryl Davis
With their fourth straight national title within reach, Chock and Bates have their sights firmly set on the World Championships in March and the 2026 Winter Olympics. Their innovative style and unmatched chemistry make them the team to beat on the international stage.
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships continue to thrill, with the ice dance finale on Saturday and the men’s competition kicking off with world champion Ilia Malinin in the short program. As new stars rise and familiar faces dazzle, American figure skating looks poised for glory in the years to come.
