U.S. Figure Skating Stars Light Up St. Louis, Sparking a New Passion for the Sport

Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, representing Thunderbird FSC and SC of New York respectively, showcased their talent at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships 2026, held on January 7th at St. Louis' Enterprise Center. Their efforts culminated in a silver medal victory.

Embarking on my initial journey into the intricate world of competitive figure skating, I must confess my excitement at the unexpected camaraderie I discovered.

It was only upon reflection that I realized the gravity of encountering figure skating icons such as Adam Rippon, now a commentator, and Cordero Zuckerman, or Denali Foxx, whose artistry merges drag performance with ice skating.

Every time I take on an unfamiliar assignment, regardless if it's figure skating or a pigeon exhibition, I start with a sense of deep exploration. I make it a point to ask those involved about the essentials a newcomer should grasp, the length of their journey, and the aspects they cherish most.

The willingness of skaters, organizers, and supporters to share their experiences was astonishing. What emerged was a remarkably competitive yet affectionate community.

Witnessing the lively banter among Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito as they supported one another was delightful. I conversed with local young skaters who eagerly assisted in collecting plush toys thrown onto the rink post-performances, and saw the entire skating fraternity rally around Maxim Naumov, who showcased courage despite a personal tragedy, earning a medal at his first nationals since losing his parents in a plane crash.

Performances that Captured the Heart

On January 7th, Amber Glenn from Dallas captured the spotlight with her impeccable routines, securing a gold medal. Similarly, Maxim Naumov’s touching tribute to his parents left an indelible impression and a bronze medal.

Alysa Liu displayed her prowess at the event, clinching a silver medal in the women’s category. Meanwhile, Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko captivated the audience with their ice dance, finishing with a bronze.

Though I am more familiar with hockey, my attempts at skating liken me to an awkwardly stepping giraffe. Yet, the agility and skill of these athletes leave one in awe.

Moments that stood out included Sonja Hilmer elegantly gliding to the natural sound of her skates, Starr Andrews' vivacious performance peppered with Beyoncé influences, and witnessing Ilia Malinin, famously dubbed the "Quad God," perform just inches away.

An Emotional Edge

Ilia Malinin, participating in the men’s category, secured a gold medal on January 8th. Meanwhile, the lively performances wrapped in 90's rhythm made for a nostalgic ambiance.

Starr Andrews dazzled with her short program, while Alyse Ralph, a young spectator from Michigan, cheered passionately during the ice dance contest.

As the routines concluded, plush animals were gathered for local charities – a testament to the warmth and generosity intertwined with the sport.

Events of this magnitude carry stringent rules, fostering an environment ripe for creativity. I took every angle possible, capturing not just the action, but the emotion and fleeting moments skaters brought to life.

Dancing on a confined icy platform is a familiar scene to me, reminiscent of my days in marching bands. The dazzling costumes and synchronized movements bind both worlds in an unexpectedly similar framework.

Final Impressions

Concluding my venture into the world of figure skating at the St. Louis championships, I left with genuine admiration and enthusiasm for this compelling sport. Watching Team USA glide across Milan's Olympic ice next month just became an unmissable event for me.

Interestingly, skater Oona Brown’s off-ice passion includes playing in an Irish marching band – reinforcing the notion that some passions seamlessly blend across unexpected activities.