2025-26 U.S. Pairs Figure Skating

[Tutto]

Well, @Tutto, if a split is true, it would likely have much more to do with Emily/Spencer's overall relationship and career trajectory than with any perceived 'body language' in the kiss 'n cry at '26 Worlds. Understandably, they were both in shock after their meltdown in the fp. They never struck me as a team that were ever overly demonstrative with each other in any case. Spencer has the more outgoing personality while Emily has always seemed more reserved.

I felt that maybe I was unfair to Spencer, so I re-watched their FS in Prague. While it is true they both must have been in shock, let's not forget it was Emily who had three horrible falls, possibly injured, yet apart from a brief pat on her back (still on the ice) there was no gesture of compassion or concern for his partner. I find it slightly disturbing. But as you and some other posters have said it could be just their own way of dealing with situations like this. And I will say no more on the subject.

I also watched for their exits from lifts as someone else above commented on some (perceived) lack of care by Spencer. I personally do not think there is something that hits the eye. But it is all comparative. Compared to Misha who puts Alisa on the ice like she were a piece of precious china, Spencer is a villain In comparison to Tom Bouvart who drops Oxana like a bag of potatoes, Spencer I think is quite alright.

I have a question, possibly a silly one because I never was interested in tours and have no idea how the selection works. Why Alisa/Misha are not taking part in the SOI? Ok, there were not at Oly but are 2 time US champions and 4CC champions, are their credential are not good enough? I just think they would benefit from show skating.

 

[NanaPat]

I have a question, possibly a silly one because I never was interested in tours and have no idea how the selection works. Why Alisa/Misha are not taking part in the SOI? Ok, there were not at Oly but are 2 time US champions and 4CC champions, are their credential are not good enough? I just think they would benefit from show skating.

I think this was because the emphasis in this year's Stars on Ice is the Olympics. They hope to benefit from the Olympics hype, and I am all for it.

Selection criteria will be different in non-Olympic years, and I would expect them to be included.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

apart from a brief pat on her back (still on the ice) there was no gesture of compassion or concern for his partner. I find it slightly disturbing. But as you and some other posters have said it could be just their own way of dealing with situations like this.

Well, just as you have acknowledged that other posters have indicated: Every skating athlete or team have understandably different personalities and different ways of interacting together on the ice. Thus, it's better not to overanalyze or read too much into facial expressions, gestures, and immediate public reactions during or after a difficult performance...

I've even seen Alisa/ Misha criticized for not effectively demonstrating enough passion as a married duo on the ice. Maybe their passion is not explicit enough for some viewers, but I detect that their passion for skating and for each other exists and is detectable. They simply have reserved, understated personalities. I think they showed passionate intensity more during the previous season when they battled so hard at U.S. Nationals to make the World team, especially since Worlds was being held at the SCOB, the site of much grief and a legacy of triumphs. I hope Alisa/Misha can find better music and programs that will help them bring out their passionate connection more through their choreography, body language, and facial expressions.

Compared to Misha who puts Alisa on the ice like she were a piece of precious china, Spencer is a villain In comparison to Tom Bouvart who drops Oxana like a bag of potatoes, Spencer I think is quite alright.

LOL! My goodness. What visuals you conjure. I must say your imagination is certainly running wild.

BTW, you stole my analogy regarding 'precious china.' And fyi: Spencer Howe is in no way 'a villain.' He's got a princely smile and he's clearly a skilled and charming pairs guy with a bright future as a military chaplain. He's our virtual hero.

You say Bouvart "drops Oxana like a bag of potatoes." That's funny, but not actually true. Tsk, tsk! Do not dis this amazing, marvelous team, please. I try not to overstate my admiration for this swift, electric Swiss team. I've been walking on eggshells and crossing my fingers for them to succeed. A lot of fs viewers who have seen them perform recognize their rare talent. They are so equally matched in skill level, despite size difference. Their personalities and raw aesthetics are in tune as well. Their chemistry is off-the-charts, too. Again, very rare for a pairs duo. Worlds commentators, Mark Hanretty and Tonia Kwiatkowski were full of praise and waxed poetic. Tom & Oxana's raw power and delight in each other and in their partnership is palpable. The judges' response, unsurprisingly to me, has been to stingily manage their scores, which means trying to contain them instead of being deservedly fair re GOE. No way this team should have received only 60+ pts in the Worlds short program. They were completely squeezed on GOE. More like 64+ was deserved by them in the sp. They were put behind teams they are clearly better than in terms of power, speed, jump arsenal, consistency, exciting material, etc.

For sure, Tom & Oxana still have a lot to work on, but I can already see improvements from when they burst on the pairs scene in Fall 2024 at NRW Trophy and Warsaw Cup. For me, they were the only exciting top team to practically skate two clean performances at 2026 Worlds, especially their fp! Judges held them back in the sp, but had to give them their due in the fp. Still, they should have overall placed higher than 10th! When there is a pairs team this promising and exciting to watch, why not give them due respect and every available resource to soar!?

Regarding your 'bag of potatoes' analogy, my take is: Tom Bouvart deftly flips Oxana out of a difficult dismount, dropping her to a beat that she captures and jazzily extends like dice rolling on point to the winning number. 🌪 Tom caressingly picks up Oxana like he's discovered stardust. He powerfully throws her high in the air and like magic she becomes a living, breathing, shining shooting star!

Why Alisa/Misha are not taking part in the SOI? Ok, there were not at Oly but are 2 time US champions and 4CC champions, are their credential are not good enough? I just think they would benefit from show skating.

As already indicated, SOI in an Olympic season is about featuring those skaters who shined at the Olympics. You have to be invited to participate in the SOI tour. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why top skaters aspire to make the Olympics. Their future prospects for shows and earning a viable living as a skater can multiply.

It's not a fair sport. But that's something, as fans, we already knew. Unfairness is ingrained in the sport's faulty status quo system.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

News some may have seen already re Spencer Howe having been invited to a military-related meet-and-greet at the Pentagon capped off by attending a Washington Nationals game in D.C., along with other U.S. Olympians who are members of the military.

Washington Nationals on Instagram: "TEN @teamusa Winter Olympian athletes + coaches from the @usairforce and @usarmy out here tonight including u.s. bobsled bronze medalist Jasmine Jones 🔥🥉"

2,141 likes, 9 comments - nationals on April 17, 2026: "TEN @teamusa Winter Olympian athletes + coaches from the @usairforce and @usarmy out here tonight including u.s. bobsled bronze medalist Jasmine Jones 🔥🥉".

www.instagram.com

Must be the 'scheduling conflict' reason why Emily & Spencer pulled out of early SOI tour dates. Probably, they will end up participating at some later planned dates on the SOI tour.

 

[Tutto]

Well, just as you have acknowledged that other posters have indicated: Every skating athlete or team have understandably different personalities and different ways of interacting together on the ice. Thus, it's better not to overanalyze or read too much into facial expressions, gestures, and immediate public reactions during or after a difficult performance...

I've even seen Alisa/ Misha criticized for not effectively demonstrating enough passion as a married duo on the ice. Maybe their passion is not explicit enough for some viewers, but I detect that their passion for skating and for each other exists and is detectable. They simply have reserved, understated personalities. I think they showed passionate intensity more during the previous season when they battled so hard at U.S. Nationals to make the World team, especially since Worlds was being held at the SCOB, the site of much grief and a legacy of triumphs. I hope Alisa/Misha can find better music and programs that will help them bring out their passionate connection more through their choreography, body language, and facial expressions.


LOL! My goodness. What visuals you conjure. I must say your imagination is certainly running wild.

BTW, you stole my analogy regarding 'precious china.' And fyi: Spencer Howe is in no way 'a villain.' He's got a princely smile and he's clearly a skilled and charming pairs guy with a bright future as a military chaplain. He's our virtual hero.

You say Bouvart "drops Oxana like a bag of potatoes." That's funny, but not actually true. Tsk, tsk! Do not dis this amazing, marvelous team, please. I try not to overstate my admiration for this swift, electric Swiss team. I've been walking on eggshells and crossing my fingers for them to succeed. A lot of fs viewers who have seen them perform recognize their rare talent. They are so equally matched in skill level, despite size difference. Their personalities and raw aesthetics are in tune as well. Their chemistry is off-the-charts, too. Again, very rare for a pairs duo. Worlds commentators, Mark Hanretty and Tonia Kwiatkowski were full of praise and waxed poetic. Tom & Oxana's raw power and delight in each other and in their partnership is palpable. The judges' response, unsurprisingly to me, has been to stingily manage their scores, which means trying to contain them instead of being deservedly fair re GOE. No way this team should have received only 60+ pts in the Worlds short program. They were completely squeezed on GOE. More like 64+ was deserved by them in the sp. They were put behind teams they are clearly better than in terms of power, speed, jump arsenal, consistency, exciting material, etc.

For sure, Tom & Oxana still have a lot to work on, but I can already see improvements from when they burst on the pairs scene in Fall 2024 at NRW Trophy and Warsaw Cup. For me, they were the only exciting top team to practically skate two clean performances at 2026 Worlds, especially their fp! Judges held them back in the sp, but had to give them their due in the fp. Still, they should have overall placed higher than 10th! When there is a pairs team this promising and exciting to watch, why not give them due respect and every available resource to soar!?

Back to your clueless dis. My take is thus: Tom Bouvart deftly flips Oxana out of a difficult dismount, dropping her to a beat that she captures and jazzily extends like dice rolling on point to the winning number. 🌪 Tom caressingly picks up Oxana like he's discovered stardust. He powerfully throws her high in the air and like magic she becomes a living, breathing, shining shooting star!


As already indicated, SOI in an Olympic season is about featuring those skaters who shined at the Olympics. You have to be invited to participate in the SOI tour. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why top skaters aspire to make the Olympics. Their future prospects for shows and earning a viable living as a skater can multiply.

It's not a fair sport. But that's something, as fans, we already knew. Unfairness is ingrained in the sport's faulty status quo system.

Disappointed with your post. First of all, my opinion is as good as anyone else's and not clueless. Secondly, in case you did not notice there were smileys next to my comments - should it not indicate something to you? Perhaps, a little fun to break the off season boredom?

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Disappointed with your post. First of all, my opinion is as good as anyone else's and not clueless. Secondly, in case you did not notice there were smileys next to my comments - should it not indicate something to you? Perhaps, a little fun to break the off season boredom?

Yes, my post was also intended to be lighthearted in nature. My intention was to respond back in the same tone as you. Sorry that the 'clueless' term offends you. I actually tried to think of a different word, so as not to be too harsh or negative. [I will go back and edit my post] We all have our unique feelings about skaters that don't have to match. Figure skating is not life or death. I apologize if you took 'clueless' to mean disrespect on my part. Clearly, I was laughing and having fun with my post along with making my points about a team that I like and root for because they are so talented.

 

[Spiralgraph]

All I want is Mark and Timmy to find partners, and no r word for Danny and Ellie. Is this asking too much?

The answer is maybe. Yes I want Mark and Timmy to find good reliable partners. I would also miss Ellie and Danny like crazy if they chose to retire or break up.
But Danny is 35 and he has been in skating a very long time. He didn't have a 16 year gap. like Deanna S did when she returned. At some point Danny will stop being a competitive skater. Maybe he'll be like Chris Knierim, and find his next calling in coaching, I hope so. But I would hate it if Danny suffered a major injury and stayed in competive skating when his heart wasn't in it and he had other better opportunities in and out of skating.
I've gotten over my favorite skaters moving on in life. I will again whenever that time comes.

 

[bckabck]

The answer is maybe. Yes I want Mark and Timmy to find good reliable partners. I would also miss Ellie and Danny like crazy if they chose to retire or break up.
But Danny is 35 and he has been in skating a very long time. He didn't have a 16 year gap. like Deanna S did when she returned. At some point Danny will stop being a competitive skater. Maybe he'll be like Chris Knierim, and find his next calling in coaching, I hope so. But I would hate it if Danny suffered a major injury and stayed in competive skating when his heart wasn't in it and he had other better opportunities in and out of skating.
I've gotten over my favorite skaters moving on in life. I will again whenever that time comes.

Danny did a couple years ago help coach the younger pair kids at M&MPairs in Colorado Springs. He sometimes would be in the kiss and cry with the youngsters much like Mark this past season. I'm not sure how involved Danny has been the past season though.

 

[bckabck]

I've been following Mark's IG and looks like he was just in Mexico trying out with a partner. I really do want Mark to find a great partner for him, but I am hoping he continues to rep the US.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

At some point Danny will stop being a competitive skater. Maybe he'll be like Chris Knierim, and find his next calling in coaching

Danny O'Shea is and has already been a coach with the MMPairs coaching team at the World Arena in Colorado Springs. Danny began coaching there after he relocated from Irvine, CA (circa when he and Chelsea Liu had split post their on-ice accident). Soon after relocating to World Arena as a coach, Danny began skating with Ellie Kam and they decided to partner.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

So, yet another split. This one I'm surprised by: I just read on IG that McBeath/ Parkman are going their separate ways. It's posted in the Partnership Splits thread on GS.

Daniil states that they have mutually decided to split and that he wants to continue repping U.S. figure skating. I don't see any mention yet if Katie has decided to move on with her life. She posted recently some vacation time cave rock climbing with her boyfriend, who, I believe, is a fireman.

So many new pairs possibilities... What's going on? Some teams need to come together and click. Too many partnership changes, constantly. After the strong investment, sigh, Katie & Daniil were showing good results the past two seasons. How can any team progress if they are constantly splitting up to individually search for elusive, greener pastures?

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Danny did a couple years ago help coach the younger pair kids at M&MPairs in Colorado Springs. He sometimes would be in the kiss and cry with the youngsters much like Mark this past season. I'm not sure how involved Danny has been the past season though.

Danny has never stopped being part of the coaching team at MMPairs. For sure, he's not been a full-time coach, especially in recent seasons leading up to the Olympics, but he still coaches.

 

[Tutto]

Yes, my post was also intended to be lighthearted in nature. My intention was to respond back in the same tone as you. Sorry that the 'clueless' term offends you. I actually tried to think of a different word, so as not to be too harsh or negative. [I will go back and edit my post] We all have our unique feelings about skaters that don't have to match. Figure skating is not life or death. I apologize if you took 'clueless' to mean disrespect on my part. Clearly, I was laughing and having fun with my post along with making my points about a team that I like and root for because they are so talented.

Apologies accepted. I guess, we all have to keep in mind that the tone of our written message might not be that clear to others (unless smilies give a helping hand )
Re: Oxana & Tom - they are very promising team but at this stage of their development I see two single skaters skating along side each other. I am sure they will improve in time. What I am not so sure is Oxana's posture, I mean it is very difficult to change. And that is something that turns me off big time, maybe that is why I am a bit harsh on them. But we should not be discussing them in US pairs thread.

So, yet another split. This one I'm surprised by: I just read on IG that McBeath/ Parkman are going their separate ways. It's posted in the Partnership Splits thread on GS.

Daniil states that they have mutually decided to split and that he wants to continue repping U.S. figure skating. I don't see any mention yet if Katie has decided to move on with her life. She posted recently some vacation time cave rock climbing with her boyfriend, who, I believe, is a fireman.

So many new pairs possibilities... What's going on? Some teams need to come together and click. Too many partnership changes, constantly. After the strong investment, sigh, Katie & Daniil were showing good results the past two seasons. How can any team progress if they are constantly splitting up to individually search for elusive, greener pastures?

I have to admit I did not anticipate that!! What is going on with the North American pairs? Epidemic?
Will Alisa/Misha be 'the last man standing' so to speak? God I hope they are not contemplating anything of the kind, the very thought sends shivers down my spine...
When do you think we can expect to hear about new partnerships? GP assignments are due in June but I guess no one would get any? Apart from Alisa/Misha? I bet my bottom dollar now on that US Fed are on their knees begging Danny to stay on.

 

[moonvine]

I've been following Mark's IG and looks like he was just in Mexico trying out with a partner. I really do want Mark to find a great partner for him, but I am hoping he continues to rep the US.

It might be better for him to rep Mexico. More international assignments, opportunities he will not get with the US. GPS, Worlds, maybe even Olympics.

 

[moonvine]

So, yet another split. This one I'm surprised by: I just read on IG that McBeath/ Parkman are going their separate ways. It's posted in the Partnership Splits thread on GS.

Daniil states that they have mutually decided to split and that he wants to continue repping U.S. figure skating. I don't see any mention yet if Katie has decided to move on with her life. She posted recently some vacation time cave rock climbing with her boyfriend, who, I believe, is a fireman.

So many new pairs possibilities... What's going on? Some teams need to come together and click. Too many partnership changes, constantly. After the strong investment, sigh, Katie & Daniil were showing good results the past two seasons. How can any team progress if they are constantly splitting up to individually search for elusive, greener pastures?

Oh no!!!! They were doing so well.

I don’t understand this either. I know everyone can’t be Tai and Randy and stay together for 50 years…but Katie and Danill were right on the cusp of being in the top 3 in the US. Why?!?!
I’ve messaged her and asked if she will be searching for a new partner. I’ll let yall know if she answers.

 

[moonvine]

Danny did a couple years ago help coach the younger pair kids at M&MPairs in Colorado Springs. He sometimes would be in the kiss and cry with the youngsters much like Mark this past season. I'm not sure how involved Danny has been the past season though.

Sofia Franks mother said that Sofia’s sister was interested in pairs for awhile and Danny was coaching her.

 

[moonvine]

Apologies accepted. I guess, we all have to keep in mind that the tone of our written message might not be that clear to others (unless smilies give a helping hand )
Re: Oxana & Tom - they are very promising team but at this stage of their development I see two single skaters skating along side each other. I am sure they will improve in time. What I am not so sure is Oxana's posture, I mean it is very difficult to change. And that is something that turns me off big time, maybe that is why I am a bit harsh on them. But we should not be discussing them in US pairs thread.

I have to admit I did not anticipate that!! What is going on with the North American pairs? Epidemic?
Will Alisa/Misha be 'the last man standing' so to speak? God I hope they are not contemplating anything of the kind, the very thought sends shivers down my spine...
When do you think we can expect to hear about new partnerships? GP assignments are due in June but I guess no one would get any? Apart from Alisa/Misha? I bet my bottom dollar now on that US Fed are on their knees begging Danny to stay on.

Well I hope US Fed are and that Danny agrees.

Jimmy! US Pairs needs you! There has to be some shortie who wants a partner

 

[ramurphy2005]

Oh no!!!! They were doing so well.

I don’t understand this either. I know everyone can’t be Tai and Randy and stay together for 50 years…but Katie and Danill were right on the cusp of being in the top 3 in the US. Why?!?!

I wouldn't be surprised if his citizenship status played into it. It's highly unlikely that he'll be a US citizen in time for 2030 since he's only recently gotten a green card. And, given Katie's age, she might not want to skate until she's nearly 40 which is where she'd be if they stuck together to have a shot at the Olympics in 2034.

 

[moonvine]

I wouldn't be surprised if his citizenship status played into it. It's highly unlikely that he'll be a US citizen in time for 2030 since he's only recently gotten a green card. And, given Katie's age, she might not want to skate until she's nearly 40 which is where she'd be if they stuck together to have a shot at the Olympics in 2034.

That does make sense. They were so good together though. Wasn’t he born here? It shouldn’t be that hard if so (not saying it isn’t, saying it SHOULDN’T be)

 

[ramurphy2005]

That does make sense. They were so good together though. Wasn’t he born here? It shouldn’t be that hard if so (not saying it isn’t, saying it SHOULDN’T be)

He was born in Russia, but his family spent several years in the US when he was a kid, and then they went back to Russia.