Team USA Strikes Gold: Ilia Malinin Secures Figure Skating Victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Milan, Italy – The United States has once again claimed the gold medal in the figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, thanks to a stunning performance by Ilia Malinin. The victory, secured on Sunday, marks the second consecutive Olympic win for Team USA in this event.
A Nail-Biting Finish
The competition came down to the wire, with the U.S. And Japan tied entering the final discipline. All eyes were on Malinin, the 21-year-old world champion known for his groundbreaking tricks, including the backflip – a move never before landed in Olympic competition by a man. Despite a stumble during his routine, Malinin recovered and successfully executed a second backflip, captivating the audience and securing a score of 200.03.
The final score saw the U.S. Edge out Japan by a single point: 69 to 68. Italy took home the bronze medal with 60 points.
Malinin’s Impact and Team Effort
Malinin’s performance was pivotal, but the U.S. Victory was a testament to the strength of the entire team. Madison Chock and Evan Bates competed in both rhythm and free dance, even as Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea skated in both days of pairs competition. Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn shared the women’s singles duties.
“Just going in today, I was just so grateful to be a part of this team and knowing that they all were going to support me throughout this program no matter what really gave the confidence to really just calm down and really just get into that flow state,” Malinin told NBC Sports.
Glenn’s Perspective and Team Dynamics
Amber Glenn, the three-time U.S. Champion, expressed feeling “guilty” after her third-place finish in the penultimate competition, acknowledging the pressure and unfamiliarity with the team event format.
A Repeat Performance
This win builds on the success of the U.S. Team at the previous Olympics, demonstrating a consistent level of excellence in figure skating. The U.S. Team utilized a consistent lineup across most events, showcasing strategic team selection.
Did you know?
Ilia Malinin’s parents are similarly Olympic skaters, having competed for the U.S. At the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
FAQ
Q: Who won the gold medal in the figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
A: The United States.
Q: Who was the key skater for Team USA?
A: Ilia Malinin.
Q: What is unique about Ilia Malinin’s skating?
A: He is the first man to land a backflip in Olympic competition.
Q: Where were the 2026 Winter Olympics held?
A: Milan, Italy.
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