BOSTON — The world figure skating championships hosted a thrilling night where U.S. skaters Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov experienced a monumental moment on the ice. Standing at the center after their remarkable free skate performance, their excitement was palpable. As they anxiously awaited the results of their compatriots, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, they were filled with hope of clinching an additional spot for their country in the 2026 Olympics.
Soon enough, the confirmation they eagerly awaited came through—“You did it.” Feeling a surge of triumph and elation, the skaters embraced each other, realizing the significance of their achievement. By securing a place in the top six, just ahead of Kam and O’Shea, Efimova and Mitrofanov helped Team USA provisionally qualify three pairs for the Winter Games. Two slots are already secured, with a third potential place to be decided at a qualifying event later in Beijing.
Misha Mitrofanov reflected on the achievement, saying, “It’s bigger than us.” This momentous accomplishment was part of a self-driven mission they aspired to fulfill. Despite the uncertainty of whether they will compete in the Olympics themselves, they take pride in their contribution to Team USA.
Historically, the United States has had limited success in the pairs discipline, lacking a gold medal and last claiming an Olympic medal in 1988 with Jill Watson and Peter Oppegard’s bronze. It’s been since the 1994 Lillehammer Games since three U.S. teams made the cuts for the Olympics.
During the competition, Efimova and Mitrofanov encountered some difficulties with their double axels and triple toe loops but managed to impress with an otherwise well-executed program set to “Je Suis Malade.” Their ecstatic reactions, complete with fist pumps and screams of joy, were in response to achieving career-best scores—135.59 in the free skate and 199.29 overall—temporarily placing them first. They eventually concluded the event in sixth overall, following a strong showing by the Japanese pair, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara.
The supportive audience at the Skating Club of Boston, where Efimova and Mitrofanov train, filled the venue with applause. The club recently mourned the tragic loss of six members in a January plane crash that impacted the skating community nationwide. Mitrofanov expressed heartfelt affection for this close-knit skating family and felt the depths of gratitude for being able to perform at this high level for their supportive community.
“For us, it means everything,” he shared. “From the moment we knew worlds would be in Boston, performing our hearts out became a dream we longed to achieve.”
Efimova recalled the emotional experience amid the backdrop of the crash memorials, revealing how absorbed she was in the performance, unaware of the crowd’s reaction until Mitrofanov directed her attention. Her realization of their feat sank in only when her partner began celebrating energetically.
“I always try to stay calm, but in these moments, I just can’t hold back,” Mitrofanov remarked. “Pouring my heart into the skate on such a meaningful stage was indescribable.”