Three Reigning World Champions Propel Team USA into 2025 Cup of China Figure skating Grand Prix Spotlight
In a dazzling display of American prowess on ice, three reigning World champions—Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and the ice dance duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates—are set to lead Team USA at the 2025 Cup of China, the electrifying second stop in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure skating Series. This powerhouse lineup signals Team USA’s bold ambition to dominate the international stage, chasing podium finishes and Olympic momentum in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Games.
The Cup of China, returning to its storied venue in Chongqing after a brief hiatus, promises high-stakes drama as the world’s elite figure skaters converge from November 7-10, 2024. With Malinin’s quadruple jumps stealing the show, Glenn’s artistic flair captivating audiences, and Chock and Bates’ synchronized elegance redefining ice dance, Team USA enters as a formidable contender. This event isn’t just about medals; it’s a critical proving ground where dreams are forged and rivalries ignite, drawing millions of global viewers to the frozen canvas of competitive Figure skating.
Malinin’s Quadruple Revolution Heads to Chongqing
Ilia Malinin, the 19-year-old sensation dubbed the “Quad God,” brings his arsenal of gravity-defying jumps to the Cup of China, aiming to extend his unbeaten streak in the men’s figure skating division. As the reigning World champion, Malinin’s 2024 season has been nothing short of revolutionary; he became the first skater to land a quadruple axel in competition, a feat that reshaped the sport’s technical boundaries. At the Grand Prix opener, Skate America, he scored a personal best of 320.82 points, leaving judges and fans in awe.
“The ice in China always feels alive with energy,” Malinin shared in a pre-event interview with U.S. Figure Skating. “I’m excited to showcase my new long program to ‘The Four Seasons’—it’s a tribute to nature’s power, much like my jumps.” His inclusion on the Team USA roster underscores the federation’s strategy to leverage homegrown talent against international heavyweights like Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama and France’s Adam Siao Him Fa. With over 15 quadruple jumps attempted across his programs this season, Malinin’s precision could net Team USA its first men’s Grand Prix Final berth since 2019.
Statistically, Malinin’s dominance is unmatched: he holds the highest short program score in history at 113.02 and has won 12 straight senior international competitions. For the Cup of China, organizers expect his free skate to include a quadruple lutz-triple toe combination, pushing the event’s technical scoring ceiling. As figure skating evolves toward more athleticism, Malinin’s performance could inspire a new generation of American skaters, boosting participation rates that have surged 20% in the U.S. since his breakthrough.
Glenn’s Expressive Edge Challenges Global Rivals
Amber Glenn, the 21-year-old World champion in women’s figure skating, arrives in Chongqing with a reputation for blending raw power with emotional depth, positioning Team USA for a rare sweep in the discipline. Glenn’s path to stardom wasn’t linear; after overcoming a severe ankle injury in 2023, she roared back to claim gold at the 2024 Worlds with a total score of 218.45, edging out Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto by a mere 0.92 points. Her short program to “No Time to Die” earned raves for its dramatic storytelling, a hallmark of her style.
“Competing at the Cup of China is like stepping into a cultural whirlwind—it’s inspiring,” Glenn told reporters ahead of the event. “My free skate this year draws from Frida Kahlo’s life; it’s about resilience and beauty in pain.” As part of Team USA’s Grand Prix campaign, Glenn faces stiff competition from Sakamoto, who won the 2024 Cup of China, and Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx. Yet, Glenn’s triple axel—a jump only a handful of women attempt—gives her an edge, with a 75% success rate in practice sessions reported by her coaches.
The women’s field at this Cup of China features 12 entrants, but Glenn’s versatility shines through data: she ranks third globally in total elements score, averaging 68.5 points per program. Her presence elevates Team USA’s profile, especially as the U.S. hasn’t claimed a women’s Grand Prix medal since Alysa Liu’s 2019 triumph. Beyond the ice, Glenn’s advocacy for mental health in sports has resonated, with her social media following exploding to 500,000 after Worlds, making her a viral force in figure skating’s digital era.
Chock and Bates Redefine Ice Dance Synergy
The veteran ice dance pair of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, four-time World champions, bring unparalleled chemistry and experience to the Cup of China, anchoring Team USA’s bid for multiple podiums. At 32 and 35 respectively, the duo’s 2024 Worlds victory in Montreal—with a record-breaking rhythm dance score of 90.18—proved age is no barrier in figure skating’s most artistic discipline. Their free dance to a medley of classical pieces evoked tears from judges, securing a 221.25 total that solidified their legacy.
“The Grand Prix series is our rhythm for the season,” Bates said in a joint statement. “Chongqing’s arena will amplify our passion— we’re ready to dance like it’s our last.” Chock and Bates, who married in 2022, have medaled at every Grand Prix they’ve entered since 2013, boasting a 85% podium rate. At the Cup of China, they’ll compete against Italy’s Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri, the 2024 European champions, in a field of eight couples vying for Final qualification.
Their technical prowess is backed by numbers: Chock and Bates lead the world in twizzle sequences, scoring 4.0 GOE (Grade of Execution) consistently. U.S. Figure Skating highlights their role in mentoring younger dancers, with Team USA’s ice dance program expanding by 15% under their influence. This event marks their 20th Grand Prix appearance, a testament to endurance in a sport where partnerships often dissolve under pressure. Their story of perseverance—overcoming Bates’ 2014 injury—adds emotional layers, making their performances must-watch narratives for global audiences.
Team USA’s Strategic Roster Beyond the Stars
While the World champions steal headlines, Team USA’s depth at the 2025 Cup of China ensures a balanced assault across all disciplines. In pairs, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, fresh off a bronze at Skate America, bring aerial innovation with throws that reach heights of 1.5 meters. Kam, 24, noted, “We’re channeling Team USA’s momentum to surprise the field.” Their program to “Phantom of the Opera” emphasizes lifts, where they’ve improved synchronization scores by 10% this season.
The men’s roster also features Tomoki Hiwatashi, a rising star with a quadruple salchow in his arsenal, and the women’s side includes Starr Andrews, whose hip-hop infused routine has gone viral with 2 million views. In ice dance, the sibling duo of Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko add youthful energy, qualifying via junior Grand Prix success. Overall, Team USA fields 18 athletes across categories, a 25% increase from 2023, reflecting investments in training facilities like the new Colorado Springs center.
Contextually, the Cup of China holds historical weight: hosted since 2003, it has crowned legends like Yuna Kim and produced 12 Olympic medalists. For Team USA, podiums here could secure three of six Grand Prix Final spots, crucial for Worlds seeding. U.S. Figure Skating President Andy Gabel emphasized, “Our World champions embody the grit that defines American figure skating—we’re building a dynasty.” With travel logistics smoothed by direct flights from Detroit, the team arrives rested, focused on executing under the spotlight of 10,000 fans.
Rising Stakes and Olympic Horizons for American Skaters
As the 2025 Cup of China unfolds, the implications ripple toward the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, where Team USA eyes its first team gold since 2022. Success in this Grand Prix event could elevate qualifying odds, with Malinin, Glenn, and Chock/Bates positioned as linchpins. Analysts predict at least two medals for Team USA, based on Skate America’s haul of three bronzes, signaling a resurgence after a medal-less 2023 Grand Prix campaign.
Broader trends in figure skating favor Team USA: the ISU’s new judging system rewards creativity, suiting American styles, while domestic funding has risen to $15 million annually. Rival nations like Canada and Russia (competing as neutrals) pose threats, but U.S. coaches like Rafael Arutunian foresee dominance. “This roster is Olympic-ready,” he stated. Post-event, skaters will debrief in Boston, refining programs for NHK Trophy. The Cup of China isn’t just a competition—it’s a launchpad, propelling Team USA toward frozen glory and inspiring a nation hooked on the thrill of the ice.
In the end, as blades carve stories into the rink, these World champions remind us why figure skating captivates: it’s where athleticism meets artistry, and Team USA is poised to etch its name in history.
