Ilia Malinin Leads Strong U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team
The U.S. Olympic figure skating team, selected during the national championships, promises to be one of the nation’s strongest squads for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. This team features standout athletes across all disciplines and a mix of seasoned competitors and first-time Olympians.
Ilia Malinin: The Star of Men’s Singles
Ilia Malinin is the leading men’s singles skater globally and is anticipated to contend for gold in Milan. At just 21 years old, he is eager to represent Team USA, following in the Olympic footsteps of his parents.
- Name: Ilia Malinin
- Age: 21
- Rank: World No. 1
- Aspiration: Olympic gold medal
Women’s Singles: A Strong Contingent
- Alysa Liu: The 20-year-old reigning world champion aims high after a strong comeback.
- Amber Glenn: At 26, Glenn feels a strong connection to her journey after intense struggles.
- Isabeau Levito: The 18-year-old silver medalist at the 2024 World Championships is determined to succeed.
Women’s Singles Athletes Details
| Name | Age | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Alysa Liu | 20 | Reigning World Champion |
| Amber Glenn | 26 | Three-time U.S. Champion |
| Isabeau Levito | 18 | 2023 U.S. Champion |
Ice Dance: Chock and Bates Lead the Charge
Madison Chock and Evan Bates are the favorites in ice dance, coming off their third consecutive world championship. Their history continues to deepen as they return for their fourth Olympics, now as a married couple.
- Chock & Bates: Three-time world champions.
- Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik: Making their Olympic debut, ranked No. 8 in the world.
- Christina Carreira & Anthony Ponomarenko: New U.S. citizens excited for their Olympic opportunity.
The Pair Teams
Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam lead the pair teams, ranked No. 6 in the world. Both teams will make their Olympic debuts amidst a competitive landscape.
- O’Shea & Kam: First Olympic appearance, experienced skaters with high aspirations.
- Emily Chan & Spencer Akira Howe: Newly selected pairs with a strong path to the Olympics.
This U.S. Olympic figure skating team is not only filled with talent but also reflects resilience and determination, making them a formidable presence in Milan. Their journey showcases the incredible dedication of each athlete as they prepare for one of the most prestigious events in sports.
