U.S. Men 2025-26 Discussion - Quad God and the Mere Mortals

[Debbie S]

Why not? Button was a trailblazer on the jumps front as much in his era as Malinin is in his.

I was referring to the analysis of where skaters finished in their first Olys. Prior to IJS, and even 15 years ago, we saw fewer swings/less variation in results from one comp to the next. With skaters doing multiple high-risk elements, placements are more unpredictable. My point was that exact placement is less important than how skaters approach the performance in that moment. Ilia said afterward that he has learned from this experience.

I agree that having an Oly experience when one is not the favorite can prepare one for the next Olys, but we have no way of knowing whether going to Beijing would have helped Ilia in Milan or not. Whatever the issues that caused his meltdown, it sounds like he is acknowledging them and learning from them. I'm looking forward to seeing his 'redemption' skate at Worlds and how he approaches the next 4 years.

 

[Sasha'sSpins]

Again, it would be a leap in logic to conclude that going to the first Olympics is what caused the gold medal at the second Olympics. (I'll bet you could find plenty of skaters who skated at two Olympics and did not win gold at their second one.) It seems much more likely that these skaters you listed did better at their second Olympics because they were better skaters by their second Olympics. (Scott Hamilton, Brian Boitano, and Evan Lysacek all were around the same age as Ilia at their first Olympics.) How many of these guys - especially in the modern era - already were reigning World Champions at their first Olympics and overwhelming favorites to win? I don't think any of them were. How many of them were named to their first Olympic team without having had any experience at a major senior international competition, which is what would have been the case for Ilia if he were on the 2022 team? I doubt any of them except maybe Dick Button - in a very different era.

I hope that Ilia doesn't really think that the main reason he didn't win in Milan is merely because he didn't go to Beijing and now everything is taken care of.

You missed my post where I pointed out that skaters like Michelle Kwan never won gold (although she still won a silver and bronze), and skaters like Kurt Browning never won an Olympic medal of any kind.

No one can say one way or the other, but I will ALWAYS maintain that it would have been very beneficial for Ilia to have gone to the 2022 Olympics. No one is going to persuade me otherwise. You clearly hold a different opinion and I have mine.

 

[Sasha'sSpins]

Why not? Button was a trailblazer on the jumps front as much in his era as Malinin is in his.

And with much different training and equipment like softer skates that were cut higher on the boot!

 

[sk9tingfan]

Nathan Chen comments on Ilia's long program demise in Yahoo! SPORTS. !

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[Sylvia]

Tomoki Hiwatashi had a fan meeting in Kyoto yesterday afternoon (March 1), organized by ice-trace.com - many photos were posted on X by his Japanese fans who came with their large fan banners/American flags for him to sign as well as handmade gifts for him. Tomoki brought quite a few of his costumes, 3 different Team USA jackets, his CS Trialeti Trophy bronze medal, etc. It looked like everyone had a wonderful time! Here's one fan's X thread with many photos and a few clips: https://x.com/yrn_tknk/status/2028292869182935081

 

[kwanfan1818]

I'm so glad there was so much for him!

 

[Sylvia]

USFS' Jacob Sanchez article before he competes in his final Junior Worlds (March 3):

‘Limitless Possibilities’ Await Latino Skater - U.S. Figure Skating

Jacob Sanchez was 8 years old when his parents sat him down and said it's time to choose.

usfigureskating.org

Re-posting USFS' Dec. 4, 2025 article on Lucius Kazanecki before he won the bronze at he JGP Final:

Kazanecki Riding a Wave of Momentum - U.S. Figure Skating

At the beginning of this season, Lucius Kazanecki could not have imagined how quickly his competitive stock would be on the rise. The 17-year-old was coming off

usfigureskating.org

Lucius will skate #23 of 43 (12:14 pm ET) in the Junior Worlds Men SP tomorrow; Jacob will be the penultimate skater (2:43 pm ET) on the ISU Skating YouTube channel.

 

[Sylvia]

Jacob's mixed zone comments after his 5th place SP (81.03; 3A++, 3Lo, 3Lz hand+3T) at Junior Worlds earleir today in Tallinn:

Golden Skate on Instagram: "Jacob Sanchez 🇺🇸 81.03 “I think it was really good. Obviously, I didn’t get all my levels, which is OK. I’m really just here to try to enjoy my last junior experience as best as I can. I’ve been doing that so far, and I’m

173 likes, 4 comments - goldsk8 on March 4, 2026: "Jacob Sanchez 🇺🇸 81.03 “I think it was really good. Obviously, I didn’t get all my levels, which is OK. I’m really just here to try to enjoy my last junior experience as best as I can. I’ve been doing that so far, and I’m just really happy to...

www.instagram.com

“I think it was really good. Obviously, I didn’t get all my levels, which is OK. I’m really just here to try to enjoy my last junior experience as best as I can. I’ve been doing that so far, and I’m just really happy to be here in this arena with all my friends and just competing for fun.”

On learning that he would compete at Junior Worlds
“I knew it was an option just because of my age and I knew about this possibility, but I still kind of didn’t expect it. At the same time, I was more focused on the seniors aspect this season. But when they gave me this opportunity to compete, I was really happy.”

On seeing his friends from the junior circuit again
“It was so exciting. I think I was more nervous to see everybody than I was to compete, actually, because there are so many people in this arena and a lot of them I haven’t seen in so long. But it’s just so cool being in this atmosphere. Everybody has been so cool and it’s just been so exciting.”

On his goal for the free skate
“I won’t have this free skate next year, so I’m going to say goodbye to it. I do want to make it a nice goodbye.”

On watching the Olympics
“It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions for everybody. In all disciplines there was a lot to be inspired by. It was definitely inspiring to watch the men. Obviously, we’re now very aware that everybody is human, but I think everybody showed that this year in every discipline.”
“There were so many skaters that I ended up watching and really feeling goosebumps and chills for when they had their Olympic moments. It definitely inspired me to work my hardest for the next four years to make it to 2030.”

On staying in touch with Ilia Malinin after the Olympics
“Yes, we’ve been keeping in touch a lot ever since that night of the free skate. We’ve been talking almost every day. Honestly, it’s been so inspiring to talk to him after that skate. Obviously, it was very unfortunate, but seeing the way he handled himself and being able to talk with him through it was inspiring.”
“It showed me that it’s okay to make mistakes because we all will and it’s going to happen. Having that example from such a close friend and also such a great skater is another huge inspiration for me.”

Lucius is in 11th (74.89 ISU SB/PB; 3Lo, 3A, 3Lz+3T): https://www.instagram.com/p/DVeJ5-sDP_4/

“I felt good today. I felt like I improved a lot. I think I was less focused just on the jumps and more actually spending energy on all the skating as well. So I’m really happy about that.”

On competing at his first Junior Worlds
“I haven’t really thought that much about this being my first Junior Worlds since I’ve come here. There’s been a lot of other things I’ve been focusing on, and I guess that helped.”

On his season and the success at the Junior Grand Prix Final
“To be honest, I don’t think it really helped me while being here. I think it rather has done the opposite of helping. My name is a bit bigger now, people are expecting more from me, and that’s uncomfortable, but I have to get used to it. It’s a good spot to start and a good learning experience.”

On his preparation
“Honestly, it hasn’t been the best. I think it was a bit of a struggle and started to get to me mentally. But I think at the end of the day I’m out here and I should just enjoy it instead of focusing on my placement. It was really mental, not an injury. When you’re struggling a bit in practice and you have such a big competition coming up, you start panicking maybe a little bit. I was getting worried, but I had to trust myself.”

On his impressions on the Olympics
“Since I train with Ilia, it was definitely not a really good impression of the Olympics. What happened there created kind of a gray environment for us. It was a little bit toxic, if I’m being honest. It was just so hard watching that happen, and it really hurt all of us.”
“We were watching it live at the rink. We all came there together to watch it and it was really a shock. I haven’t been able to meet or talk with Ilia yet because he’s been in Switzerland and then I left for here. But I’m really impressed with the things he’s been saying, and he’s been looking good ever since, so I shouldn’t be that worried about him.”

FS is on Friday.

 

[Karen-W]

Good result for the US men in Tallinn!

Jacob finished 4th and Lucius finished 6th so we'll have 3 spots at Jr Worlds next year. Also, the US has earned 2 spots at all 7 JGPs next season due to Jacob's placement (Japan finished 1st & 3rd, Korea finished 2nd, so we're the 3rd highest country). Neither was perfect in their FS, but it's all good.

Lucius also confirmed he will be moving up to seniors next season in his post-FS interview with Golden Skate.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2029996738136699204

Jacob's post-FS remarks didn't give any indication about where he is in the quest to add a quad to his jump arsenal, though Ted mentioned during the broadcast that he had been attempting a 4S in practices.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2030010067127308604

 

[mtnskater]

Lucius has had a great season this year. He’s proven to be pretty consistent. I’ll be excited to follow his progress in the coming year. So glad he moved up the standings as much as he did at Junior Worlds and helped get those spots.

Always love watching Jacob skate. Such overall quality. Wish he could have skated lights out at Junior Worlds like his incredible free program at Nationals. Surprised he said he was really nervous at Jr Worlds, it showed a bit, but he got through it quite well overall. Hopefully he’ll start working those quads in to the program next season.

 

[Sylvia]

Jacob's "glass half empty/half full" post today:

Jacob Sanchez on Instagram: "A bittersweet ending to an exciting time of my career. I’m still not sure what to think about this seasons world juniors as I had very high aspirations and goals to achieve. Coming short from the podium for the second tim

916 likes, 61 comments - jacob.skatess on March 9, 2026: "A bittersweet ending to an exciting time of my career. I’m still not sure what to think about this seasons world juniors as I had very high aspirations and goals to achieve. Coming short from the podium for the second time in a row has...

www.instagram.com

A bittersweet ending to an exciting time of my career. I’m still not sure what to think about this seasons world juniors as I had very high aspirations and goals to achieve. Coming short from the podium for the second time in a row has been the most difficult part for me. I really wanted to be on the podium with the two guys that were my biggest competitors the last 3 years one last time. Besides any disappointment, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment in my season. This season was incredibly difficult for me as it was for many. I’m most proud of my perseverance and determination throughout the year. Even though I didn’t reach my goals this time I still was able to help secure three spots for next year’s world juniors. Now as I close this chapter as a junior skater, another one starts now as a full time senior. Going forward I will continue to work as hard as I can to be the best person and athlete I can be. Thank you so much to everyone who has been a part of my journey so far. Your kindness and support means so much to me.
Looking forward to next season and working hard for the next four years!

Link to his GoFund Me (started by his mother):

Donate to Stand With Jacob Sanchez as He Chases a-in-a-Lifetime Dream, organized by Johana Sanchez

Some dreams are bigger than one family can carry alone. J… Johana Sanchez needs your support for Stand With Jacob Sanchez as He Chases a-in-a-Lifetime Dream

www.gofundme.com

Copying out their full post-FS quotes for those who don't want to click:

Jacob Sanchez 148.07 / 229.10 [5th both in SP & FS for 4th overall]

“I was just happy that I went out there and skated. I will say it was the first time in quite a while that I was actually nervous for my free skate.
I do not know what it was — maybe because it was Junior Worlds, or because it was the last time I am skating this season — but I was actually pretty nervous.
I am happy that once the music started, I was able to calm myself down, even though the jumps were not the quality they normally would be. I am just happy I got it done.
The triple loop turned into a double, and I stepped out on the Salchow, but still I am not disappointed at all. I think I still got a pretty good score, and I feel like I have seen a lot of progress from last Junior Worlds until now.
During the three-jump combination, I actually thought back to last year’s Worlds and how big that was for me. I am happy that I overcame that because I had been thinking about it a lot. But I was able to pull it off, and I had a couple of good saves out there, which I am really happy with. So I can really see the progress.
I feel like I really developed as a skater and as a person, on and off the ice, and now I am looking forward to going one hundred percent into my senior career and working as far as I can over the next four years.”
On what he was saying to himself at the start of the program
“Actually, that is quite a funny story, because I say the first words of Ilia Malinin’s free skate. They are really inspiring, and those quotes have quite a deep meaning.
I have been repeating that in my head ever since I heard it because I really connected with those words and phrases. I use them to calm myself down, and I feel like it helps a lot.”
On next plans
“I am looking forward to some time off, probably a family vacation. We do not know yet where we will go — I have to see what my parents say.
I am also excited for two new programs next year and saying goodbye to these ones. I do not know yet what I will do or who I will work with, but I am looking forward to a new creative process.”
On the new rules
“I am really looking forward to trying the new rules, experimenting with choreography, for example a choreo spin and six jumps.
I am not sure if it is officially confirmed yet, but that is what I have been hearing a lot, and it sounds fun.
Whether I prefer six jumps over seven, I do not know because I have not tried it yet. I guess we will see how it goes.
I am curious to see how everything develops, and I am excited to have more opportunities for different choreography and different movement.”

Lucius Kazanecki 144.47 / 219.36 [11th in SP, 7th in FS for 6th overall]

“I’m definitely very happy that I landed that, because it has not been going great lately. I’m just so happy that I was able to do it when it mattered.”
“Obviously, I’m a little disappointed that I missed a simple jump, and that caused me to lose some points, but that’s life.”
On looking back at his season
“I think everything was a highlight. I was not really expecting much, and I think every single competition I went to was a new surprise and a new highlight for me. So I would say all of it.”
On what he takes away from Junior Worlds
“Everyone here is so good, and every micro detail means one place higher or lower than someone else. It is going to be my job to fix that in the future, to correct those things and one day be at the top.”
On next season
“Obviously, now I want to take a step back and learn from this competition, from all my mistakes. I want to adjust and also work on new things, maybe try new choreographers.”
“I am moving up to seniors next year, so I really want to have a cool environment and a new learning experience going into it. I will mainly focus on seniors next season.”
On what excites him about seniors
“It is definitely going to be interesting being a senior and also being technically at Ilia Malinin’s level. Obviously, I’m not exactly a competitor right now, so when I think of next season, I think I’ll be a little bit of a side character at first and more out of the spotlight.”
“I like watching the others — Yuma Kagiyama, Ilia — and hopefully at some point push myself into the spotlight, like it happened in juniors.”