Worlds 2026 WOMEN’S PREVIEW — Figure Skating Championships

We prepare for the World Figure Skating Championships with a preview of the hotly contested women's championship, where Olympic Silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto seeks to recapture the title.

March 19, 2026

WOMEN’S PREVIEW: World Figure Skating Championships 2026

The 2026 World Figure Skating Championships are just a week away, and the women’s competition may again be the most hotly contested event! While Olympic Champion, Alysa Liu, has withdrawn, there will be a wildly talented group of women competing for the title, including 3-time World Champion and reigning Olympic silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto of Japan. This will be Kaori’s last time on competitive ice, so emotions are sure to be running high for her and all of us watching!

Japan could very well sweep this podium, as Olympic bronze medalist and rookie of the year, Ami Nakai, will be bringing her triple axels to Prague. And Mone Chiba will be hunting for the elusive medal she just missed in Milano Cortina.

Likely seeking a little redemption is one of Milan’s “Blade Angels”, Amber Glenn of the USA. Amber is entirely capable of taking this title or getting on the podium. We expect she’ll be coming in hungry after one small mistake in her Olympic short program lost her a medal.

Another “Blade Angel”, Isabeau Levito of the US, will also be here on the medal hunt along with fellow American, Sarah Everhardt, who’s competing at her first World Championships. Everhardt’s biggest job here, other than hopefully having a great time and good experience, will be qualifying for the free skate to help the USA’s chance’s for 3 spots at Worlds next season.

From Korea, Jia Shin and Haein Lee will also both be competing in Prague and hoping to earn 3 spots next season — especially with several top Junior competitors from Korea moving up to seniors next season.

Also in the mix will be Georgia’s Anastasia Gubanova, Canada’s Madeline Schizas, Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann, Kazakstan’s Sofia Samodelkina, and many more.

In our next episode, we’ll be previewing the Pairs competition, so stay tuned!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:55 Alysa Liu is too famous for Worlds (j/k)
04:51 Kaori Sakamoto
07:15 Ami Nakai
10:00 Mone Chiba
12:26 Niina Petrokina
13:50 Amber Glenn
15:53 Isabeau Levito
17:06 Sarah Everhardt
18:32 Haein Lee and Jia Shin
20:16 Sofia Samodelkina
21:48 Nina Pinzaronne
23:01 Kimmy Repond withdrawal and coaching change
23:58 Olga Mikutina
24:17 Maddie Schizas (and Gabby Daleman pairs girlie?!)
26:18 Iida Karhunen
26:48 Anastasiia Gubanova
27:48 Lara Naki Gutmann
29:16 Podium Predictions
30:29 Wrap-Up

Scoreography Podcast

Scoreography is a show about the art, athleticism, culture, and entertainment of Figure Skating. We discuss current competitions, the sports history and legacy, up-and-coming skaters and absolute legends, and the action outside of the rink.

Whether you’re new to the sport’s fandom, a once-in-awhile watcher, or a seasoned skating veteran, you’ll find something to enjoy in our program.

More Episodes

Worlds 2026 ICE DANCE PREVIEW — Figure Skating Championships

Ice Dance at the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships could set the stage for the next Olympic cycle. Two of the three Olympics medal-winning teams are in Prague — Fournier-Beaudry & Cizerone and Gilles & Poirier — along with teams from the US, Lithuania, and Great Britain all vying for medals. And with three-time winners Chock & Bates sitting this one out, a new champion will definitely be crowned.

Worlds 2026 MEN’S PREVIEW — Figure Skating Championships

As we look forward to the Worlds 2026 Men's Competition, a theme emerges: redemption. After a brutal Olympics event where many of the men fell short of their potential, we think many head to Prague with something to prove.

Worlds 2026 PAIRS PREVIEW — Figure Skating Championships

In the second of our Worlds 2026 previews, we deep dive into the Pairs competition — including what looks to be a likely rematch from Europeans for the top of the podium. With Olympic Gold medalists Muira and Kihara out of the competition, the door is open for a new champion team.