The 2026 Winter Olympics have officially kicked off in Milan Cortina, and all eyes are on the dazzling spectacle of figure skating, where Team USA arrives with perhaps its most compelling roster in decades. The opening ceremony on February 6 set the stage, and now the American skaters are ready to carve their stories into Olympic history. From the men’s and women’s singles to pairs and ice dance, the United States is fielding a team that blends youthful brilliance, seasoned champions, and heart-wrenching personal journeys.
Leading the charge in the men’s division is Ilia Malinin, the 21-year-old two-time defending world champion whose Olympic debut was hotly anticipated on February 7. Malinin’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable—after being controversially left off the team for Beijing 2022, he’s returned with a vengeance. His technical prowess is unmatched; he remains the only skater to have landed a quadruple axel in competition, a feat he accomplished in 2022. As commentator Johnny Weir told NBC Olympics, “You think of legends in other sports – Simone Biles, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods – Ilia Malinin is that for figure skating. He’s done elements that we never thought we’d see in our lifetime. Every time we watch him skate it’s like watching the moon landing.” That’s some high praise, but Malinin has earned every bit of it, having not lost a competition in nearly two years.
Joining Malinin in the men’s singles are Andrew Torgashev of Coral Springs, Florida, and Maxim Naumov from Simsbury, Connecticut. Naumov’s story is especially poignant. The Connecticut native is skating with the memory of his late parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, who tragically died in a plane crash involving a military helicopter in January 2025. After their loss, Vladimir Petrenko—himself a storied coach—stepped in to guide Naumov. Daniel Petrenko, Naumov’s best friend and director of figure skating at the International Skating Center of Connecticut, is chronicling Naumov’s Olympic journey through daily diary dispatches, offering fans an insider’s look at the emotional and athletic challenges of the Games. Whether or not Naumov captures a medal, he’s already become an Olympic-sized inspiration.
On the women’s side, Team USA boasts a trio that’s drawing comparisons to the golden era of American figure skating. Amber Glenn, a three-time national champion, headlines the group, with her domestic dominance and artistry sparking memories of Michelle Kwan. Alongside her are Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito, both of whom bring their own brand of fire and finesse to the ice. Olympic gold medalist and commentator Tara Lipinski told NBC Olympics, “I haven’t seen a U.S. women’s team this strong in 20 years.” The stakes are high: the U.S. women are hunting for their first Olympic medal since Sasha Cohen’s silver in Turin 2006, and their first gold since Sarah Hughes triumphed in Salt Lake City in 2002. The drought has lingered, but the 2026 squad looks poised to change the narrative.
In ice dancing, the American contingent is led by Madison Chock and Evan Bates, a married duo who are the three-time defending world champions. Their chemistry both on and off the ice is undeniable, and they’re chasing their first individual Olympic gold. Their campaign began with a bang, as they posted a world-leading 91.06 points in their opening performance on February 6. The team is rounded out by U.S. silver medalists Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, as well as Christina Carreira—who became eligible for the Olympics after gaining American citizenship last fall—and her partner Anthony Ponomarenko. With such depth, Team USA’s ice dancers are expected to be in the thick of the medal hunt throughout the Games.
The pairs event features just two U.S. entries, but both have compelling stories. Danny O’Shea, at 34, is making his Olympic debut alongside Ellie Kam, the U.S. silver medalists. O’Shea’s journey from the Chicago area to the Olympic stage is a testament to perseverance. Emily Chan and Spencer Howe, the other American pair, bring their own blend of athleticism and artistry to the ice. Both pairs will be aiming to make their mark in a discipline where the U.S. has traditionally faced stiff competition from Russia, China, and Canada.
Figure skating at the Milan Cortina Games is set to dominate the Olympic calendar from February 6 through February 21. With NBC, USA Network, and Peacock providing wall-to-wall coverage, fans back home can catch every triple axel, twizzle, and dramatic finish. The broadcast team is anchored by Terry Gannon, with Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir delivering their signature blend of expertise and enthusiasm, and Andrea Joyce reporting from rinkside. Most of the action unfolds between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET, with prime-time replays and digital streams ensuring no one misses a moment.
Competition is fierce, with traditional powerhouses Japan and Canada fielding strong squads. But the Americans are entering with momentum, having captured two gold medals at the 2022 Olympics—an all-time high for the program. This year’s team, while featuring new faces, is determined to extend that legacy. The men’s, women’s, pairs, and ice dance events all promise high drama, with finals scheduled throughout the second and third weeks of February.
What sets Team USA apart isn’t just their technical brilliance or medal ambitions—it’s the resilience and humanity behind each performance. As one observer put it, American skaters “don’t just chase medals, they chase moments that feel real. When it works, it’s not just impressive. It’s human. That’s why it sticks.” The willingness to take risks, to fall and get back up, is woven into the fabric of U.S. figure skating. From Malinin’s historic jumps to Naumov’s courage in the face of tragedy, and from Glenn’s rise to stardom to Chock and Bates’ enduring partnership, the stories on this team are as compelling as the skating itself.
For viewers, the next two weeks promise a festival of artistry and athleticism, with every leap, spin, and step telling a story of hope, ambition, and redemption. Whether it’s a record-breaking performance or a comeback from heartbreak, Team USA’s figure skaters are ready to make their mark on Milan Cortina—and perhaps, finally, end some long-standing medal droughts.
With the Olympic flame burning bright and the world watching, Team USA steps onto the ice not just as favorites, but as storytellers, dreamers, and, above all, competitors. The action is underway, and the chase for gold—and glory—is on.