In a breathtaking display of athleticism and grace, Amber Glenn secured her third straight US women's figure skating championship on Friday night, delivering a sensational free skate performance that culminated in a triumphant triple axel.
A Night of High Drama and Olympic Implications
The competition inside a packed Enterprise Center was fierce, with the nation's top skaters vying not only for the national crown but also for coveted spots on the team for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Glenn finished with a total score of 233.55 points, narrowly edging out world champion Alysa Liu, who scored 228.91 points. Isabeau Levito earned the bronze with 224.45 points, a result that almost certainly books her place on the Olympic squad.
The official team announcement is scheduled for Sunday, but the night belonged unequivocally to Glenn. "Just so grateful. That was terrifying," Glenn confessed after her skate. "And I had to skate after two incredible ladies brought down the house. I'm still just mind-blown."
Pairs Champions Face a Race Against Time
Earlier in the evening, the pairs competition provided its own drama. Defending champions Alisha Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov retained their title with a score of 207.71 points, despite a nerve-wracking moment where Efimova's skate blade came perilously close to her partner's head. Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea placed second with 197.12 points.
However, their Olympic participation hangs in the balance due to a citizenship issue. While Mitrofanov is a US citizen, Efimova, who was born in Finland and has competed for multiple nations, does not yet hold an American passport. The couple, who are married, are in a frantic race against the clock, with their training club and officials lobbying to expedite her naturalisation before Sunday's team selection deadline.
Glenn's Golden Response Under Pressure
The women's final was a masterclass in high-stakes skating. Levito set a high bar with a season-best, balletic performance. Liu then electrified the arena with a powerful new free skate set to a Lady Gaga medley, a routine reminiscent of her world championship-winning form.
The pressure then fell squarely on Glenn. She responded magnificently, opening her programme with the only triple axel attempted by any of the medal contenders. From that moment, she commanded the ice, her technical precision and artistic expression earning a standing ovation. When her score of 150.50 for the free skate was announced, giving her the title, she broke down in tears of joy with her coach, Damon Allen.
The likely Olympic trio of Glenn, Liu, and Levito shared a poignant moment in the kiss-and-cry area. "I hope," Liu said, capturing the collective spirit, "we can keep this energy next month for all of us." As the skaters now look towards Milan, the US team appears to be in formidable shape, led by a champion who has proven her mettle three times over.
