Efimova and Mitrofanov defend pairs title while awaiting citizenship decision for Olympic spot

Alisha Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov won the U.S. pairs title; Efimova’s pending U.S. citizenship will determine whether the pair can be named to the Milan Cortina Olympic team before Sunday’s roster deadline.

Alisha Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov defended their pairs title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. The pair finished with 207.71 points to take the national crown. Efimova is not yet a U.S. citizen, and only citizens are eligible to represent the United States at the Olympics. The Skating Club of Boston and U.S. Figure Skating have been working to expedite her citizenship processing as time runs up to the team-naming deadline. Reported details: - Efimova and Mitrofanov scored 207.71 to win the U.S. pairs title. - Efimova holds a green card but has not received U.S. citizenship or an American passport. - The Skating Club of Boston and U.S. Figure Skating have sought expedited processing; the deadline to announce the Olympic team is Sunday. Summary: Efimova’s citizenship approval will determine whether the defending champions can occupy one of the two U.S. pairs spots at the Milan Cortina Games. If her citizenship is not approved before the roster deadline, U.S. Figure Skating will need to make a selection for the second pairs berth; the immediate next milestone is the Sunday team announcement.