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US Claims Figure Skating Team Gold at Milan Olympics

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 23:54 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: ITALY, JAPAN, UNITED STATES

Milan, Italy - February 9th, 2026 - The United States has claimed the inaugural figure skating team gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, thanks to a spectacular performance led by Jason Illinin. The American team overcame a first-day deficit, fueled by a dominant free skate, to edge out a formidable Japanese squad in a competition that highlighted the evolving format of Olympic figure skating.

The team event, a relatively new addition to the Olympic program, debuted in Milan with a revised scoring system designed to emphasize both individual brilliance and collective strength. Teams are comprised of skaters specializing in men's singles, women's singles, pair skating, and ice dance, with each discipline contributing points towards the overall team score. The format challenges nations to cultivate well-rounded figure skating programs, rather than solely focusing on individual star power.

Japan entered the free skate portion of the competition with a narrow lead, largely due to a strong showing in the rhythm dance by Misato Komatsubara and Tim Koleto. However, the United States mounted a stunning comeback. Gracie Gold delivered a solid performance in the women's singles, laying the groundwork for Illinin's show-stopping skate. The pressure was immense, with the gold medal hanging in the balance.

Illinin, a rising star in the figure skating world, didn't falter. His free skate was a masterclass in technical skill and artistry. He landed a breathtaking quad Lutz-triple toe combination, followed by a clean quad Salchow, showcasing his exceptional jumping ability. Beyond the technical elements, Illinin's program was characterized by its emotional depth and expressive choreography, captivating both the judges and the audience. His score propelled the US into the lead, putting significant pressure on the Japanese skaters to respond.

"It was incredible. We knew Japan was a strong team, especially after the rhythm dance," said US team captain Evan Bates, paired with Madison Chock in ice dance. "We just focused on putting out our best performances, one skate at a time. Jason's skate was phenomenal. It really lifted us all up." Chock and Bates, seasoned veterans of the ice dance world, provided a crucial consistent performance earlier in the competition, establishing a solid base for the team.

The Japanese team, featuring Yuma Kagiyama and Rika Kihira, fought valiantly, but were unable to close the gap. Kagiyama, a former world champion, showcased his athletic prowess, but struggled with a slight error on a quad attempt. Kihira, known for her elegant skating style, delivered a beautiful program, however, it wasn't quite enough to overcome the American momentum.

The success of the US team is a testament to the depth of American figure skating. Jason Brown, a veteran performer known for his artistry and consistency, provided valuable points. Isabelle Gaines and Drew Meekins, the pair skating duo, also contributed a respectable performance, demonstrating the growing strength of US pairs skating.

"This gold medal is for everyone who has supported us," said an emotional Gracie Gold after the event. "It's been a long journey, and we're so proud to represent the United States."

The introduction of the team event has undoubtedly injected new excitement into the Olympic figure skating program. It encourages nations to invest in all disciplines, fostering a broader base of talent. The rivalry between the US and Japan, on full display in Milan, promises to be a defining feature of future Olympic competitions. With the 2026 games now in the history books, all eyes turn to the future, and the next generation of figure skating stars poised to take the world stage. Analysts predict that nations with strong developmental programs, like Russia (competing under a neutral flag), Canada, and France will likely challenge the US and Japan for dominance in this event in the coming years. The pressure is on for these nations to prioritize team development alongside individual athlete training.