Colorado Figure Skating Duo Clinches Olympic Gold After Surgeries and Concussion
A Colorado duo achieved remarkable success at the 2026 Winter Olympics, overcoming significant personal challenges to win gold. Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea triumphed in the “pairs free skate” event held in Milan, Italy. Both athletes faced surgeries and a concussion before they secured their places on Team USA.
Historic Achievement at the Milano Cortina Olympics
Kam and O’Shea competed on February 8, 2026, at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The pair showcased exceptional performance, earning a total score of 135.36 points, which included their free skating, short program, and exhibition events. Their victory was celebrated as a significant moment for American figure skating.
Challenges Faced by the Athletes
- Surgeries: Both athletes underwent surgeries that threatened their participation.
- Concussion: Kam suffered a serious concussion, yet both remained resilient.
- Team Dynamics: They emphasized trust and patience throughout their journey.
Their dedication paid off when they qualified in mid-January alongside 15 other skaters representing the United States. Initially, O’Shea faced uncertainty due to a training injury before successfully recovering.
Reflections on the Olympic Experience
Following their win, Kam and O’Shea expressed the weight of their achievement. Kam noted that winning gold felt like a “magical moment.” O’Shea humorously remarked on the challenge of defining the feeling of being an Olympic champion.
Both began their skating journeys at age four. Before teaming up in 2022, Kam skated with Ian Meyh, while O’Shea competed alongside Chelsea Liu and Tarah Kayne, the latter being a former U.S. champion.
Experts hailed O’Shea’s qualification under immense pressure, as he skated on a broken foot during a crucial event, securing a historic Olympic spot for the team.
Kam and O’Shea’s story is one of perseverance and triumph, inspiring a new generation of figure skaters.
