NPR’s ‘The Picture Show’ Unveils Captivating Visual Narratives
The 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships took place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis from January 7 to January 10, 2026. This event showcased remarkable talents across various categories, highlighting the passion and dedication of skaters and their community.
NPR’s ‘The Picture Show’ Unveils Captivating Visual Narratives
Ellie Kam from Thunderbirds FSC and Danny O’Shea from SC of New York participated in the pairs short program, where they ultimately secured a silver medal. In the women’s competition, Amber Glenn from Dallas FSC achieved the top score, winning the gold medal.
Key Competitors and Their Achievements
- Maxim Naumov: Competed in the men’s short program and won a bronze medal. This marked his first nationals since the tragic loss of his parents in a plane collision.
- Alysa Liu: From St. Moritz ISC, she dazzled the audience with her performance and earned the silver medal in the women’s final.
- Ilia Malinin: Known as the “Quad God,” he took home the gold medal in the men’s finals after a stunning performance.
- Isabeau Levito: Another standout, she also secured a silver medal in the women’s final, enchanting the crowd with her routine.
Community Spirit
The championships showcased not just competition, but also a tight-knit community. Young volunteers helped by clearing stuffed animals thrown onto the ice as tributes after performances. These tributes were later donated to local charities, emphasizing the kindness and support among fans.
Memorable Highlights
Amid the competition, various skaters brought unique narratives to the ice. Sonja Hilmer’s routine mesmerized with its intricate choreography, while Starr Andrews infused her performance with vibrant energy, set to a Beyoncé track. These moments were infused with an emotional depth that resonated throughout the event.
Final Standings
| Category | Gold Medal | Silver Medal | Bronze Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Ilia Malinin | Maxim Naumov | Jacob Sanchez |
| Women | Amber Glenn | Alysa Liu | Isabeau Levito |
| Pairs | Ellie Kam & Danny O’Shea | — | — |
| Ice Dance | Madison Chock & Evan Bates | — | Christina Carreira & Anthony Ponomarenko |
The championships offered an exciting preview for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The passion displayed by participants hints at the remarkable talent that will represent the United States on the global stage.
