As the U.S. Figure Skating Championships unfold in St. Louis this week, eyes are primarily on competitors vying for spots on the 2026 Olympic team. However, five talented skaters from the Pacific Northwest are making their mark on this prestigious stage.
Among them, Portland’s Samuel Mindra, 22, is set to perform in the Men’s Championship Free Skate. This event marks his fourth appearance at the senior level, where he has garnered a reputation as a charming performer. Adam Rippon, a 2014 Olympian, has expressed his admiration for Mindra, stating, “Out of all of the competitors, there’s something about his skating that’s just so entertaining and joyful.” Rippon eagerly anticipates Mindra’s performances each year, describing him as a captivating skater.
During the short program, which took place on Thursday night, Mindra faced a challenge when he fell on his triple lutz-triple toe loop combination. However, he rebounded by executing a successful triple loop in combination, showcasing his resilience. His spirited step sequence to “It’s Time to Play” energized the audience, and Mindra attributed his performance to the crowd’s enthusiasm. He stated, “I felt the audience’s energy and delivered an energetic performance because everyone’s here, might as well do it.”
Mindra, who was born in Beaverton and coaches at Lloyd Center Ice Rink in Portland, has been traveling three hours each way to Snoqualmie, Washington, for training due to limited ice time at his local rink. Despite missing his family, he remains focused on his preparation. “Training’s going good when I’m up there,” Mindra shared, looking forward to fully committing to his jumps in the free skate.
Competing alongside him, Michael Xie, 19, hails from Camas, Washington. After starting lessons at age ten, he quickly progressed and began landing triple jumps by 13. Performing his short program to “Never Enough,” Xie experienced a mishap on his triple axel, scoring 59.95. Nevertheless, he views this competition as a memorable farewell before retiring from competitive skating to pursue academics at U.C. Berkeley. “I’m happy I got one last chance to compete again,” he expressed, hopeful for a solid performance in the free skate.
Also representing the region, 16-year-old Annika Chao, originally from Portland, concluded her junior-level career with a silver medal, improving from her fifth-place finish last year. Now training in Anaheim, California, due to the lack of ice facilities in Portland, Chao remains close to her roots, as her grandparents still live in the area. “I’m really glad I ended on a high note and couldn’t be happier,” she said, looking forward to moving up to the senior level next year.
Ryan William Azadpour from Wilsonville, 18, finished tenth in the junior men’s event, marking his third appearance on the national stage.
As Samuel Mindra and Michael Xie compete in the Men’s Free Skate on Saturday, the spirit of resilience and determination resonates throughout the Pacific Northwest contingent, showcasing the promising future of U.S. figure skating.