Chock and Bates Secure Seventh U.S. Ice Dance Title; Malinin Claims Fourth Gold
Ilia Malinin and the ice dance duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates highlighted the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in St. Louis. Both secured significant victories, with Malinin claiming his fourth consecutive U.S. title, while Chock and Bates celebrated their record seventh ice dance championship.
Ilia Malinin’s Fourth U.S. Title
Ilia Malinin dazzled audiences with his captivating free skate performance. He finished with a free skate score of 209.78 and a total score of 324.88. His routine included powerful elements, such as a quad flip and a quad Lutz-triple Salchow combination, which contributed an impressive 22.37 points.
Malinin, the reigning World champion, is currently on a remarkable 13-event winning streak since December 2023. He expressed gratitude for the supportive atmosphere at the championships, highlighting it as one of his favorites.
Chock and Bates: A Historic Achievement
Madison Chock and Evan Bates solidified their legacy in ice dance by winning their seventh U.S. title. Performing a contemporary flamenco routine to an orchestral version of “Paint It Black,” they captured the audience’s attention with their high-intensity performance. They garnered a score of 137.17 for their free dance, resulting in a total score of 228.87.
- Number of U.S. Titles: 7
- Performance Elements: 7 Level 4 elements
- Average Execution Score: 2.25 or better
Bates remarked on the importance of their consistent performance throughout the season as they aim for Olympic glory in Milan.
Spotlight on Rising Stars
Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik delivered an exceptional performance, earning silver with a total score of 228.87. They showcased their speed and skills with a personal best of 127.67 in the free dance.
Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko claimed bronze with a score of 206.95. Their dramatic routine, inspired by music from “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer,” demonstrated their ability to convey storytelling through movement.
Caroline Green and Michael Parsons finished fourth, earning the pewter medal with a total of 202.05.
Men’s Event Highlights
Andrew Torgashev achieved a remarkable comeback after a slow start, scoring 267.72 overall for a silver medal. He demonstrated his resilience, landing two quad toe loops along with two triple Axels.
Maxim Naumov, another standout performer, captured bronze with a total score of 249.16, delivering a standout tribute piece that resonated deeply with audiences.
Jacob Sanchez shocked the audience by ascending from seventh place in the short program to secure a pewter medal with a personal best score of 249.07.
Conclusion
The 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships showcased remarkable talent and inspiring performances. Ilia Malinin, along with Madison Chock and Evan Bates, led the charge, each achieving significant milestones in their skating careers. As the championships conclude, all eyes turn toward the upcoming Olympics in Milan.
