The Haydenettes are poised to claim a medal after placing second in the short program on the opening day of the ISU Synchronized Skating World Championships 2026 in Salzburg, Austria.

The seven-time World medalists and 33-time and reigning U.S. champions posted an international season-best score of 79.30.

Skating to "Crazy Train" by Joseph William Morgan, the team that trains in Norwood, Massachusetts, garnered Level 4 marks on four elements. Three elements also generated more than nine points each, including their intersection, which earned a program-high 9.94 points.  

"We felt calm, strong and determined," Haydenettes team member Paige Felton said. "We knew we put all the work in that we could have preparing for this event. We left our hearts all on that ice today and couldn't be prouder of the strength, discipline and resilience of this team."

The Skyliners placed fifth in the segment, the team's highest finish in the short program at a World Championships.

The reigning U.S. silver medalist's "lose control"-themed short program received Level 4s on every element, though they experienced a fall on their traveling element at the end of the performance. Their Level 4 intersection and move element contributed 9.64 and 9.00 points, respectively, to a score of 70.46.

"I felt great about the skate today," Skyliners coach Josh Babb said. "They prepared well for this World Championships. One of their biggest goals for this competition was to get all elements called and to continue to improve their GOEs."

Medals will be awarded Saturday following the conclusion of the free skate, which begins at 9:30 a.m. ET. For live results, how to watch information and more, visit the ISU Synchronized Skating World Championships Competition Central.