The pairs event at the US Figure Skating Championships has a history of being something of a rollercoaster. And this year, the field boasts five teams who all have the potential to bring some fire to Wichita. The reigning champs, though, have established themselves as the ones to beat after a brilliant season that saw them make it to the Grand Prix Final.
US Nationals predictions
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GOLD Ellie Kam/Danny O’Shea - A year ago, they came in with potential but without the consistency, and the ended up winning the title on the basis of their strong foundational skating. This year, they come into Nationals having blossomed on the international circuit and skating some of the best competitions of their lives. Their Grand Prix Final berth was a highlight and established them as one of the top pairs in the world. They can look at this event as a stepping stone for even greater things at the end of the season.
SILVER Alisa Efimova/Misha Mitrofanov - In their second season together, Efimova/Mitrofanov have continued to improve, both in their pairing and in their consistency. They come in off of a very solid Grand Prix series that included a bronze at Skate America. The big obstacle for them will be the side-by-sides, and if they can get through those, the sky’s the limit.
BRONZE Emily Chan/Spencer Howe - Finally looking like they are back to normal, Chan/Howe want to pick up from where they were two seasons ago when they finished fifth at Worlds. It’s been a long road for Howe and his shoulder surgery recovery, but given that they are back to full lifts in competition practice, it seems like they are back on track. Like most, the side-by-sides are the big gauntlet. But two clean programs will have them right up there for the title.
4. Audrey Shin/Balazs Nagy - It’s the new splash of the season—Shin/Nagy teamed up in the off-season and have looked already very solid in their first season together, winning bronze at Golden Spin in their first international as a pair. The pairing is strong, and Shin has taken to the new discipline very well. Watch for them to be the dark horse for the podium.
5. Katie McBeath/Daniil Parkman - Their second season together has been rocky, as they haven’t really found the kind of consistency that would allow them to make some inroads with their scores. They have some big skills and can figure into the podium picture.
6. Ellie Korytek/Timmy Chapman - The junior champs from two years ago were eighth last year in Columbus. They skated one of their best free skates at the US Pairs Final in November on their way to winning that event.