UPDATE: Team USA has just secured the gold medal in the figure skating team competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics following a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The thrilling showdown unfolded in Milan as the U.S. faced off against Japan, culminating in an electrifying final skate.
The competition hinged on the performance of Ilia Malinin, the American star known for his groundbreaking skills. Despite not achieving the top score in the men’s short program, Malinin made history by landing a backflip, a move unseen at the Olympics for decades. As the pressure mounted during the men’s free skate, Malinin scored an impressive 200.03, propelling Team USA to victory.
Japan’s Shun Sato followed closely, delivering a near-perfect skate that earned him 194.86. However, it was not enough to dethrone the American team, which showcased resilience and talent throughout the competition. The victory is particularly significant for Team USA, who were denied a medal ceremony at the 2022 Winter Olympics due to a doping investigation involving Russia.
Earlier in the event, Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama stunned audiences with an impressive performance in the short program, earning his team the maximum 10 points. However, in a surprising strategic move, Japan opted to replace Kagiyama with Sato for the free skate, a decision that ultimately did not pay off.
Malinin’s performance, while not without a notable fall, reaffirmed his status as a top competitor in figure skating. Commentator Johnny Weir praised Malinin’s unique abilities, stating, “That was all he needed to do. No one in the world can do what Malinin did.”
The U.S. team’s victory resonates strongly with fans, especially after their struggles in Beijing. With numerous individual events still to come, Team USA remains a formidable force in the figure skating realm, with several athletes poised to medal again.
As the excitement continues to unfold at the Milan Cortina Games, all eyes will be on Team USA as they aim to expand their medal count in the upcoming individual events. The atmosphere is electric, and fans are eagerly anticipating what this talented team will achieve next.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2026 Winter Olympics progresses.
