UPDATE: Team USA has successfully defended its gold medal in the figure skating team competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, concluding with a nail-biting finish that captivated fans and athletes alike. The event, held in Milan, became a dramatic showdown between the United States and Japan, culminating in a tense final skate.
In an electrifying performance, Ilia Malinin, known as the “quad god,” faced immense pressure as he took the ice for the men’s free skate. Despite a fall during his routine, Malinin scored an impressive 200.03, enough to secure victory for Team USA. This score, while not his best, showcased his extraordinary talent, including a historic backflip—an Olympic rarity.
Japan’s Shun Sato followed with a near-perfect performance, scoring 194.86, but it fell short of clinching gold for his team. Earlier, Japan had gained momentum when Yuma Kagiyama surprised observers by upsetting Malinin in the short program, earning his team maximum points.
The stakes were high for Team USA, who entered this competition as defending champions after a tumultuous experience at the last Olympics in Beijing. Following a protracted investigation into Russian doping that delayed their medal ceremony until the 2024 Summer Games, this victory in Milan is especially poignant.
The competition saw thrilling performances from veteran ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, along with talented skater Alysa Liu. Malinin’s strength lies in his free skate performances, where he showcases his ability to execute seven quad jumps, including the elusive quad axel, unmatched by any competitor.
As the Olympics continue, Team USA remains poised for further success, with several athletes favored in upcoming individual events. The excitement surrounding Team USA’s figure skating achievements is palpable, and fans are eager to see how the remaining competitions unfold.
The victory not only highlights the exceptional talent within Team USA but also reignites the spirit of competition at the Winter Olympics. As the world watches, the question remains: can Team USA continue to dominate in figure skating?
Stay tuned for the latest updates and medal counts as the 2026 Winter Olympics progress.
