U.S. Figure Skating Team Set for Competitive 2026 Winter Olympics
U.S. figure skating is gearing up for a promising display at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, with a cohort that some experts describe as the strongest in recent years. Showcasing a blend of veteran skaters and emerging talents, Team USA hopes to build on its success from the Beijing Games, where they secured gold medals in both team and men’s events.
Why It Matters
The 2026 Olympics represent a critical opportunity for U.S. figure skaters to reclaim dominance on the world stage, particularly in women’s singles, which has not seen a gold medalist from the U.S. since 2002. The team’s depth and talent could not only shift the narrative of American figure skating but also inspire young athletes across the country.
Key Developments
- Olympic Roster Announcement: The 16-member U.S. team was revealed following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, held in mid-January.
- Men’s Singles Competitors: Ilia Malinin, Andrew Torgashev, and Maxim Naumov will represent the U.S. in men’s singles.
- Women’s Singles Competitors: Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito make up the women’s singles team.
- Pairs and Ice Dance Competitors: Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, along with Emily Chan and Spencer Howe, will represent the U.S. in pairs; Madison Chock and Evan Bates highlight the ice dance competitors.
Full Report
Men’s Singles
The men’s lineup boasts Ilia Malinin, regarded as a leading contender for Olympic gold, known for his groundbreaking quadruple jumps. The 21-year-old has not faced defeat since 2023 and aims to make his Olympic debut following a near miss at the last Games. Joining him are Andrew Torgashev, who secured silver at nationals for the second consecutive year, and Maxim Naumov, who has overcome personal tragedy to achieve his Olympic dream.
Women’s Singles
Amber Glenn will take the ice as a first-time Olympian, hailed for her mental strength and athletic prowess. At 26, she enters the competition as the reigning three-time national champion. Alysa Liu, having made a remarkable comeback after a brief retirement, returns to the Olympics at age 20. She has already made headlines as the youngest U.S. champion in history. The youngest competitor, Isabeau Levito, at 18, embodies maturity and skill, aiming to make her mark at these Games with personal ties to Milan.
Pairs and Ice Dance
In pairs, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea step into the spotlight as bronze medalists from the nationals. Their partnership has grown since 2022 and represents persistence and dedication. They are joined by Spencer Howe and Emily Chan, who turned around a challenging qualification performance to secure their Olympic spot.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates bring significant experience, as three-time Olympians and seven-time national champions. Their deep connection off the ice enhances their performances, making them a formidable duo in the upcoming competition. Ice dance competitors Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, along with Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, round out this talented section of Team USA.
Context & Previous Events
The U.S. figure skating team was officially announced following the culmination of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January. Previous Olympic cycles have not provided the U.S. women’s field an opportunity to compete for gold, making this year particularly significant. The strong performances from the national championships, as well as the subsequent successes at the global level, underscore the potential for a standout Olympic performance.
