Key Takeaways
- The U.S. figure skating team for the 2026 Winter Olympics has been revealed, featuring 16 skaters, including Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and Alysa Liu.
- Ilia Malinin, known as the "Quad God," is favored to win gold in men’s figure skating, having dominated the competition and landing the first quad Axel in history.
- Amber Glenn makes her first Olympic appearance, having had a sensational season and excelling at the U.S. championships.
- Alysa Liu returns to the Olympics for her second Games, after retiring in 2022 and making a successful comeback in 2024.
- The Olympic team includes veteran ice dance pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are headed to their fourth Olympics together.
Introduction to the U.S. Figure Skating Team
The U.S. figure skating team for the 2026 Winter Olympics was announced on January 11, 2026, after four days of competition at the national championships. The team consists of 16 skaters, including some of the biggest stars in figure skating. Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and Alysa Liu are among the notable skaters who will represent the United States at the Olympics. Malinin, known as the "Quad God," is favored to win gold in men’s figure skating, having dominated the competition and landing the first quad Axel in history.
Ilia Malinin’s Rise to Fame
Ilia Malinin has been making waves in the figure skating world with his exceptional skills and record-breaking jumps. He has won every event he has participated in since December 2023, including two World Championships. Malinin’s success can be attributed to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He has stated that making the Olympic team is a dream come true and that he is grateful for the support of his family and team. Malinin’s parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, are both former figure skaters who represented Uzbekistan at the Olympics.
Amber Glenn’s First Olympic Appearance
Amber Glenn makes her first Olympic appearance, having had a sensational season and excelling at the U.S. championships. She has won three consecutive national titles, a feat that has not been achieved since Michelle Kwan. Glenn is a fierce and powerful skater who is among the best in technical skill. She is also a mental health advocate and has helped change the conversation about mental health in figure skating. Glenn has stated that making the Olympic team is a surreal experience and that she is grateful for the support of her family and team.
Alysa Liu’s Return to the Olympics
Alysa Liu returns to the Olympics for her second Games, after retiring in 2022 and making a successful comeback in 2024. She has won the 2025 World Championship and the Grand Prix final, assuring her spot on the Olympic team. Liu is a creative and carefree skater who possesses the talent to win hardware in Milan Cortina. She has stated that she is feeling happy and supported, and that she is excited to compete at the Olympics.
The Rest of the Olympic Team
The Olympic team includes veteran ice dance pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are headed to their fourth Olympics together. The team also includes Maxim Naumov, who makes his first Olympic appearance after a remarkable performance at the U.S. championships. Isabeau Levito, the 2023 national champion, also makes her first Olympic appearance, after a beautiful and graceful performance at the nationals. The team is rounded out by Andrew Torgashev, who makes his first Olympic appearance, and Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe, who secure the final pairs spot.
The Road to the Olympics
The U.S. figure skating team was selected based on the athletes’ body of work over the last two seasons. The selection process took into account the athletes’ performances at the national championships, as well as their results at international competitions. The team is a mix of experienced and newcomer skaters, all of whom are excited to represent the United States at the Olympics. The Olympics are set to take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026, in Milan Cortina, Italy.
Conclusion
The U.S. figure skating team for the 2026 Winter Olympics is a talented and dedicated group of skaters. Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and Alysa Liu are among the notable skaters who will represent the United States at the Olympics. The team is rounded out by veteran ice dance pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates, as well as newcomers Maxim Naumov, Isabeau Levito, and Andrew Torgashev. The Olympics are set to take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026, in Milan Cortina, Italy, and the U.S. figure skating team is ready to take on the challenge and bring home the gold.