USA's Figure Skating Team at 2026 Olympics: Deep Talent and Historic Potential
The US enters the 2026 Milan Olympics as strong favorites in figure skating, boasting a highly talented and diverse team. The team event, which debuted in 2014, features four disciplines—men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance—and emphasizes depth, consistency, and strategic decision-making. The US team is led by world champions Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, Madison Chock, and Evan Bates, along with Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, forming a roster that combines technical innovation, artistic expression, and cultural influence. Malinin, known as the 'Quad God,' has pushed the technical boundaries by landing the rare quadruple Axel and aims to expand the sport’s possibilities. Liu, a former prodigy who took a break to rediscover her passion, now emphasizes artistic expression and personal growth. Glenn, at 26, exemplifies longevity and authenticity, openly embracing her identity and breaking stereotypes in women’s skating. Chock and Bates, a married couple and veteran pair, bring stability, partnership, and influence through their off-ice work, including fashion and media projects. The team’s collective strength lies in their complementary skills, representing both the sport’s technical evolution and its cultural expansion. The team event will test their depth and strategic choices, with key competitions starting Friday and culminating in medal awards on Sunday. The US’s deep roster and strategic flexibility give them a strong chance to defend their gold medal, with the event also serving as a showcase of the sport’s modern, diverse, and athlete-driven landscape.
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