On February 8, 2026, Team USA delivered a standout performance at the Winter Olympics in Milan, capturing the gold medal in the figure skating team event in one of the most dramatic and closely contested competitions of the Games so far. The victory underscored the depth of American talent in figure skating and marked a significant achievement early in the Olympic schedule.
The figure skating team event, which blends performances from men’s and women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance, concluded with the United States edging out Japan by a razor‑thin margin. The final point totals saw the U.S. clinch gold with 69 points, just ahead of Japan’s 68 points, while Italy took bronze with 60 points.
A Team Effort on the Ice
The U.S. victory was not the result of a single standout performance, but rather a collective effort across all disciplines of figure skating. Each segment contributed crucial points that ultimately secured the top spot:
- Men’s Singles: Ilia Malinin delivered a sensational performance in the men’s free skate, earning a top score of 200.03 points with a technically ambitious program featuring multiple quadruple jumps , including a crowd‑pleasing backflip element , that helped swing the competition in the United States’ favor.
- Ice Dance: Olympic veterans and fan favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates delivered a flawless ice dance program, adding important points to Team USA’s total and demonstrating exceptional precision and artistry.
- Pairs and Women’s Singles: In the pairs segment, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea surpassed expectations, helping the team gain valuable points. Meanwhile, Amber Glenn offered a gritty performance for the U.S. in women’s singles, finishing third in her segment but contributing essential points to the overall tally.
Team USA’s performance in the team event continued a strong tradition in this discipline; they also captured the gold medal in the figure skating team event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, although that result came after a retroactive adjustment of standings following a doping controversy involving another team.
Significance of the Win
This gold medal holds multiple layers of significance for U.S. figure skating:
- Reaffirmation of Elite Status: The narrow victory against a formidable Japanese squad highlights the sustained excellence of American figure skaters on the world stage. The U.S. has historically been a powerhouse in figure skating, and this result reinforces its position at the top of the sport.
- Team Depth: Unlike individual events where a single athlete can dominate, the team event rewards depth and versatility , qualities the U.S. displayed across all disciplines.
- Olympic Momentum: As the Winter Olympic Games continue through February 22, this early success provides momentum for U.S. athletes across other sports and events. Success in figure skating, one of the Olympics’ marquee attractions, also boosts national interest and media coverage.
Broader Olympic Context
The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted by Milan and Cortina in Italy, have featured a packed schedule of competition and cultural moments since opening earlier this month. Figure skating remains one of the most anticipated events, drawing global television audiences and significant fan engagement. Coverage on U.S. networks like NBC and streaming platforms provides accessibility for viewers nationwide to follow the action in real time.
The team event’s conclusion on February 8 set a high bar for the remainder of the Games, and it stands as a defining moment for U.S. winter sports in 2026. With several days of competition remaining , including individual figure skating medals yet to be awarded , American athletes will look to build on this success and bring further glory to their count
