Figure skater Alisa Efimova's Olympic status hinges on last-minute citizenship decision

Alisa Efimova skated a season-best short program with partner Misha Mitrofanov at the U.S. Championships while waiting on U.S. citizenship approval (or a waiver) that could determine whether she can be named to the Olympic team; the final U.S. roster will be announced Sunday.

Alisa Efimova and partner Misha Mitrofanov delivered a season-best short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. Efimova wore an American-flag patch and is hoping to represent the United States at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. She is awaiting U.S. citizenship approval and has requested a waiver of the usual three-year waiting period after receiving a green card in July 2024. The final U.S. Olympic roster will be announced on Sunday. Current status: - Efimova was born in Finland and did not move to the United States on a full-time basis until 2023. - Efimova and Mitrofanov were married in February 2024, and she received a green card in July 2024. - She has applied for a waiver of the required three-year waiting period for U.S. citizenship. - At the U.S. Championships the pair scored a season-best 75.31 in the short program and held a clear lead over other teams. - The finalized U.S. Olympic team will be announced on Sunday, while Efimova's immigration request remains pending. Summary: Approval of Efimova's citizenship or a granted waiver would determine her eligibility for selection to the U.S. Olympic team, and the pair's season-best short program placed them ahead of several rivals at nationals. The next official milestone is the final U.S. roster announcement on Sunday, and Efimova's immigration status remains unresolved and under review.