2026 Oympics: Asian American women help US figure skating team to gold medal

US SKATING

US figure skaters in the team competition include, from left: Evan Bates, Madison Chock, Ilia Malinin, Alyssa Liu, Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, Elie Kam and Danny O'Shea.

In a historic display of talent and grit, three Asian American women — Alysa Liu, Madison Chock, and Ellie Kam — anchored Team USA to a second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the figure skating team event.

The victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan wasn't just a win; it was a testament to the depth of Asian American excellence on the ice, as these athletes delivered under immense pressure to fend off a fierce challenge from Japan.

• Alysa Liu: Returning to the Olympic stage as the reigning world champion, Liu set the tone early by placing second in the women’s short program, securing 9 critical points.

• Madison Chock: Alongside partner Evan Bates, Chock dominated the ice dance segments, winning both the rhythm and free dance to lock in a perfect 20 points for Team USA.

• Ellie Kam: Making her Olympic debut, Kam and partner Danny O'Shea delivered a clean free skate to finish fourth, providing the 7 points that ultimately kept the US tied with Japan heading into the final event.

The 2026 Winter Olympic figure skating competitions are taking place at the Milano Ice Skating Arena (also known as the Mediolanum Forum) in Assago, a suburb of Milan, Italy.

"I was so proud of Ilia and everybody on our team," Danny O'Shea, US team captain for the team event, said. "It took every single point for us to do it today, and at the end of the day, that's what it takes. The team event is something special because it really does bring everyone together to support each other, build each other up and find ways to get one more point."

It is the second straight gold medal for the US team. It was awarded  first place in 2022 after the initial first-place Russian skaters were disqualified after it was found using performance-enhancing drugs.

The 2026 event proved that the figure skating competition is going to be stiff with Japan and the US trading first and second place throughout the event.

The gold was finally secured by  two-time world champion Ilia Malinin, whose final free skate broke a 68-68 tie, giving the US a 69-68 victory over second-place Japan. Host country Italy earned third place.

"I feel happy. I'm so glad to be here," said Malinin, 21, skating in his first Olympics. "This Olympic movement, this Olympic experience was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me, so just being able to go out there, that's what I'm grateful for."

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