Ilia Malinin Propels Team USA to Second Gold in Olympic Figure Skating
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA won its second consecutive gold medal in the figure skating team event. A remarkable performance by 21-year-old Ilia Malinin, dubbed the “Quad God,” was crucial to this victory. Malinin competed in the men’s free skate event, showcasing his abilities with five quad jumps. His impressive score of 200.03 secured Team USA’s top spot, narrowly surpassing Japan’s Shun Sato, who scored 194.86.
Key Performances and Results
The final standings in the team event showcased the talents of various athletes from multiple nations:
- Gold: Team USA
- Silver: Japan
- Bronze: Italy
Before Malinin’s performance, the U.S. and Japan were tied with 59 points. Malinin not only topped Sato but also delivered an electrifying routine following a competitive short program the previous day.
Amber Glenn’s Historic Debut
North Texas native Amber Glenn shone in the women’s free skate, finishing third. At 26, she became the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater to compete in an Olympics in 98 years. Glenn, also the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to skate at the Games, attempted a triple axel but landed it shakily. She expressed disappointment but remained proud of her efforts, helping secure eight points for the team.
Ice Dance Victors
The ice dance duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates continued their success, winning both the rhythm and free dance segments. This achievement marks their fourth consecutive Olympic appearance together. As three-time world champions, they are considered strong contenders for individual gold as well.
Pair Skating Performance
Team USA’s pair skating team, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, finished fourth in their event. They skated a medley of popular songs and earned seven points for Team USA. Kam and O’Shea, who have been partnering since 2022, demonstrated their growth in the sport.
Looking Ahead
The competition continues as individual events commence. The focus will shift to the short program and free skate events scheduled for February 17, where athletes like Sato, Sakamoto, and Glenn will compete for individual gold.
Overall, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics figure skating team event highlighted the athletic excellence and resilience of Team USA, led by standout performances from Malinin and his teammates.
