Haymarket’s Sarah Everhardt has rapidly established herself as a prominent figure in the national figure-skating scene since her rise two years ago. Her journey has taught her invaluable lessons about perseverance and the importance of preparation, particularly during challenging times.
As she prepares to compete at the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis this weekend, Everhardt will showcase her skills in both the short program and free skate, marking her third consecutive appearance at the national level. After securing a fourth-place finish in her national debut in 2024 and a third-place finish last year, she is eager to continue her ascent.
The stakes are especially high this year as the championships will determine the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team competing in February’s Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. With only three slots available, the competition is fierce, featuring names like reigning world champion Alysa Liu, defending U.S. champion Amber Glenn, and 2018 Olympian Bradie Tennell. Everhardt remains focused on her own performance amidst the intense rivalry, emphasizing the need to skate cleanly without falls or mistakes.
Over the past three months, Everhardt has traveled extensively for competitions in various countries including Italy, Canada, Japan, and Estonia, achieving notable results like a bronze medal at the Lombardia Trophy. When she’s not competing, she trains rigorously at SkateQuest in Reston, six days a week, under the guidance of her coaches, Tatyana Malinina and Roman Skornyakov, who are also the parents of rising star Ilia Malinin.
In preparation for her performances, Everhardt has retained “Riverdance” for her short program while working with choreographer Shae-Lynn Bourne on a new free skate routine that draws inspiration from the film “Poor Things.” Building a strong rapport with Bourne has enabled Everhardt to explore diverse movements and ideas that complement her artistic expression on the ice.
With previous success comes greater expectations. Everhardt manages these by prioritizing self-care, engaging in activities like Pilates and yoga, and spending time with her dog, Gracie. Interestingly, she’s also taken a step towards academics, having been accepted to American University in Washington. While she plan to take a few classes this spring, her main focus remains on her skating aspirations.
Ultimately, Everhardt views her journey in figure skating as a profound learning experience. She hopes to channel the lessons she has learned into helping others navigate their own challenges on the path to success, driven by her interest in psychology. As she heads into the championships, the dedication and passion she brings to both her sport and personal growth are evident, and her supporters eagerly anticipate her performances this weekend.