Ilia Malinin Guides Team USA to Second Straight Olympic Figure Skating Gold
Team USA successfully defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, thanks to an impressive performance by Ilia Malinin. This victory marks the second consecutive gold for the U.S. in this event.
Ilia Malinin’s Winning Performance
Ilia Malinin, often dubbed the “Quad God,” played a crucial role in the team’s success. He attempted five quad jumps during his routine, scoring an impressive 200.03 points. This result successfully surpassed Japan’s Shun Sato, who earned 194.86 points.
The competition was tight, as Team USA and Japan entered the men’s free skate tied with 59 points each. Malinin’s strong performance ultimately secured the gold medal, while Japan took silver and Italy finished with bronze.
Key Competitors and Team Contributions
- Amber Glenn: The North Texas native debuted on Olympic ice, placing third in the women’s free skate. At 26, she became the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater in nearly a century. She also made history as the first openly LGBTQ woman to compete in this event.
- Kaori Sakamoto: Competing for Japan, she delivered a flawless performance, tying the team with Team USA prior to the men’s free skate.
- Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea: This duo placed fourth in pair skating, contributing seven points to the overall team score.
Ice Dance Highlights
Madison Chock and Evan Bates were also instrumental in the team’s success, winning the ice dance segment. Their compelling performances at their fourth consecutive Winter Olympics showcased their experience and skill as three-time world champions.
Bates expressed satisfaction with their execution, reflecting the excitement of kicking off the Olympics.
Conclusion and Looking Ahead
Team USA’s victory in the figure skating team event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics highlights both individual excellence and teamwork. The athletes will now focus on the upcoming individual competitions, which promise to be just as thrilling.
