Ilia Malinin Leads U.S. to Olympic Figure Skating Team Gold
MILAN — The United States triumphed in the figure skating team competition at the Olympics, securing gold on Sunday night. The victory followed three days filled with intense competition, demonstrating remarkable skill and resilience.
Ilia Malinin Shines in Olympic Debut
Entering the final day with a five-point lead, the U.S. skaters faced a fierce challenge. They found themselves tied with Japan as they approached the men’s free skate segment. At this crucial moment, all eyes were on Ilia Malinin, a two-time reigning world champion making his Olympic debut at just 21 years old.
Despite facing challenges during his short program the previous day, Malinin delivered a stellar performance in the free skate. He executed five quadruple jumps and earned an impressive score of 200.03 points. Malinin’s efforts were pivotal in helping the U.S. reclaim the gold medal in this event.
Team Effort Under Pressure
Team captain Danny O’Shea described the anxiety felt by his teammates as they watched Malinin skate. “I was more nervous watching Ilia than I was skating myself,” he remarked. Malinin’s performance electrified the arena and culminated in a dramatic backflip, which earned cheers from the crowd, including tennis legend Novak Djokovic.
Final Scores and Medal Standings
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| United States | 69 |
| Japan | 68 |
| Italy | 60 |
Despite a strong free skate from Japan’s Shun Sato, who scored 194.86 points, it was not enough to surpass Malinin’s performance. The U.S. team celebrated their win enthusiastically, marking their second Olympic gold in the figure skating team event.
The Road to Victory
The victory was a historic achievement for Team USA, particularly following challenges from previous competitions. In 2022, the United States had been awarded medals retroactively after initial winners faced disqualification. The current team was determined to solidify their dominance in the team event.
Notable Performances
- Madison Chock and Evan Bates contributed significantly to the team’s success by winning both the short program and free dance.
- Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea improved their standing from fifth to fourth during the pairs skate, staving off further challenges from Japan.
- Amber Glenn, making her Olympic debut, scored 138.62 points, landing her in third place in the women’s free skate.
As the Olympic Games continue, the focus now shifts to individual events, but this team victory will be celebrated as a defining moment for American figure skating. Team members expressed pride in their achievements and looked forward to further competition.
