Liu, Malinin, Chock, Bates Launch Figure Skating Team Event

In the lead-up to the Olympic figure skating team event, U.S. skaters are preparing to defend their gold medal. The competition kicks off on Friday at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The U.S. team, featuring numerous top athletes, is a strong contender against their primary rival, Japan.

Overview of the Team Event

The figure skating team event made its debut at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. It gathers the world’s top ten countries, competing in four disciplines: men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance. Each country earns points based on their performances, with a total of ten points awarded for top scorers. The top five teams advance to the final round.

Current Landscape

Returning to this year’s competition, the U.S. aims to secure the title, particularly after a strong showing in 2022. Russia’s disqualification over a doping scandal presents an opportunity for other nations. The competition for the bronze medal is wide open, as many countries vie for that position.

• Countries participating: U.S., Japan, Canada, Georgia, and others.
• Notable absence: Russia, due to ongoing sanctions.

Key Athletes to Watch

The U.S. team boasts promising talent. Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion at just 20, will represent the U.S. in the women’s event. Liu’s main competitor is Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion.

• Alysa Liu: 20 years old, two-time Olympian.
• Kaori Sakamoto: Three-time world champion, bronze medalist in 2022.

In pairs, national champions Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea take the ice, facing formidable opposition from Japan’s Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi. Notable figures in ice dance include Madison Chock and Evan Bates, seven-time national champions returning for their fourth Olympics.

Competition Schedule

The competition is divided into rounds, with the first on Friday featuring shorter programs for women, pairs, and ice dance. Men’s events will also start on Saturday, featuring gold medal favorite Ilia Malinin.

• Friday: Starts with short programs.
• Saturday: Free dance and men’s short program.
• Sunday: Free skates in all categories; medals will be awarded.

Malinin, who has the potential to land the first quadruple axel in Olympic history, may play it safe, as he previously secured the U.S. championships without attempting the difficult jump. The final athletes for the U.S. team will be revealed shortly before the start of the event.

Conclusion

The upcoming figure skating team event promises to be exciting, with strong performances anticipated from the U.S. As the team prepares for the challenge, fans eagerly await the outcomes. Tune in to Filmogaz.com for all the latest updates from the Olympics.