### Dominance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships: Malinin, Chock, and Bates Shine Ahead of the Olympics The U.S. Figure Skating Championships held on January 10, 2026, in St. Louis showcased remarkable performances from top skaters, particularly Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, and Evan Bates. Malinin, a strong contender for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympics, secured his fourth consecutive national title with a strategic performance that prioritized safety over risk. Meanwhile, Chock and Bates made history by winning their seventh national ice dance title, solidifying their status as favorites for Olympic gold. Both pairs are now set to represent the U.S. in the upcoming Olympic Games, with the official team announcement expected shortly after the championships [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/figure-skating-malinin-chock-and-bates-reign-at-us-figure-skating-championships][https://www.whec.com/ap-top-news/ilia-malinin-wins-4th-consecutive-u-s-figure-skating-title-with-dialed-back-performance]. ### Overview of Key Performances and Results 1. **Ilia Malinin's Victory**: - Malinin won his fourth consecutive U.S. title, scoring **324.88 points** despite opting for a reduced number of quad jumps (three instead of seven) to minimize risk ahead of the Olympics [https://www.whec.com/ap-top-news/ilia-malinin-wins-4th-consecutive-u-s-figure-skating-title-with-dialed-back-performance]. - His unbeaten streak now extends over two years, showcasing his dominance in men's figure skating [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jan/10/chock-bates-seventh-us-ice-dance-title-milan-cortina]. 2. **Chock and Bates' Historic Win**: - Madison Chock and Evan Bates achieved a record-setting **seventh U.S. title**, performing a flamenco-style free dance that highlighted their creativity and athleticism [https://www.lethbridgeherald.com/sports/national-sports/2026/01/10/chock-and-bates-win-record-setting-seventh-us-figure-skating-title-set-sights-on-olympic-gold]. - Their victory marks a significant milestone in U.S. ice dance history, further establishing them as top contenders for Olympic gold [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/olympics/2026-milan-cortina/chock-bates-record-seventh-usa-figure-skating-title/4331075]. 3. **Olympic Aspirations**: - Both Malinin and the Chock/Bates duo are now focused on the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympics, with their performances at the championships serving as a strong indicator of their potential success [https://au.sports.yahoo.com/quad-god-ilia-malinin-triumphs-in-figure-skating-championships-chockbates-win-seventh-ice-dance-title-040102283.html]. ### Summary of Results and Implications - **Ilia Malinin**: - **Title**: 4th consecutive U.S. Figure Skating Champion - **Score**: 324.88 points - **Performance**: Scaled-back routine with three quads - **Next Steps**: Competing in the Milano-Cortina Olympics - **Madison Chock and Evan Bates**: - **Title**: 7th U.S. Ice Dance Champion - **Performance**: Flamenco-style free dance - **Next Steps**: Competing in the Milano-Cortina Olympics In conclusion, **Ilia Malinin's strategic performance and Chock/Bates' historic win** at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships not only highlight their current dominance in the sport but also set the stage for their anticipated performances at the upcoming Olympics. Their achievements reflect both individual talent and the strength of U.S. figure skating on the world stage [https://www.espn.ph/olympics/figureskating/story/_/id/47556935/olympic-favorite-ilia-malinin-quad-filled-short-program-dazzles-nationals][https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jan/08/ilia-malinin-us-figure-skating-championships-short-program-chock-bates].