Key Takeaways:
- The US figure skating team is poised for a strong showing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars.
- The team includes reigning world champions Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, and the ice dance duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates.
- The women’s field has its first shot at a US gold medal since 2002, with three women who could realistically end up on the Olympic podium.
- The team will face a packed schedule in Milan, starting with a multi-day team event on February 6.
- The US team includes a diverse range of skaters, with different backgrounds, styles, and experiences.
Introduction to the US Figure Skating Team
The US figure skating team is gearing up for a strong performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with a talented group of skaters who are expected to make a significant impact. According to Ashley Wagner, a three-time national champion and 2014 Olympic medalist, the team has a great mix of talent and depth, which makes her excited for the Olympics. The team includes 16 skaters, consisting of three men, three women, three ice dance duos, and two sets of pairs, who will compete in a packed schedule in Milan, starting with a multi-day team event on February 6.
Men’s Singles: A Strong Field
The men’s singles field is led by Ilia Malinin, the reigning four-time US champion who is widely considered Team USA’s best hope for men’s figure skating gold. Malinin is known for his revolutionary style, which includes his ability to perform quadruple jumps with ease. He is joined by Andrew Torgashev, who clinched his second consecutive silver at nationals, and Maxim Naumov, who has continued to train and compete despite the tragic loss of his parents in a plane crash. Naumov’s story is one of resilience and determination, as he has continued to pursue his Olympic dream despite the challenges he has faced.
Women’s Singles: A New Era
The women’s singles field is also looking strong, with three women who could realistically end up on the Olympic podium. Amber Glenn, the reigning three-time US national champion, is known for her athleticism and determination, and has spoken frankly about her mental health struggles and experiences as an openly queer skater. Alysa Liu, who became the youngest skater in history to land a triple Axel in an international competition, has made a successful comeback after retiring from the sport in 2022. Isabeau Levito, the team’s youngest member at age 18, is known for her maturity, poise, and quiet confidence, and has a personal connection to the Winter Games, as her mom is originally from Milan.
Pairs and Ice Dance: Experienced Duos
The pairs field is led by Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, who have been partners since 2022 and have a long history of competing together. They are joined by Spencer Howe and Emily Chan, who rebounded from eighth-place after their short program to a fourth-place finish at nationals. The ice dance field is dominated by Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are three-time Olympians and three-time reigning world champions. They are known for their creative choreography and costumes, and have a strong chemistry on and off the ice. They are joined by Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, who have enjoyed a rapid ascent since pairing up in 2022, and Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, who have been partners since 2014 and have navigated the challenges of obtaining US citizenship.
Conclusion
The US figure skating team is poised for a strong showing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with a talented group of skaters who are expected to make a significant impact. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the team has a great mix of talent and depth, which makes them a strong contender for medals. The team’s diversity, with different backgrounds, styles, and experiences, is also a strength, as it brings a unique perspective and energy to the sport. As the team prepares to take the ice in Milan, they are sure to impress with their skill, artistry, and dedication to their craft.