The U.S. Olympic figure skating team for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games has been announced, featuring a resilient group of athletes including a soldier, a daredevil known for backflips, and a skater who overcame personal tragedy to fulfill his family’s Olympic dream. This team, selected after the national championships in St. Louis, is poised to be one of the strongest American contingents in years, with high medal hopes across multiple disciplines.
After four days of intense competition at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, 16 skaters were named to represent the United States at the upcoming Olympics. The selection process highlighted both veteran champions and emerging talents, with the team finalized on Sunday, January 12, 2026, following memorable performances that captivated audiences and showcased the depth of American skating. Key moments included emotional comebacks and technical prowess, setting the stage for a compelling Olympic campaign in Milan, Italy.
In the men’s singles event, Ilia Malinin secured his fourth consecutive national title, reinforcing his status as the ‘Quad God’ with a dazzling array of quadruple jumps and even incorporating backflips into his routine. Maxim Naumov, whose parents and coaches were killed in a plane crash last year, delivered a stirring performance to earn a spot on the team, fulfilling a lifelong dream shared with his family. Andrew Torgashev rounded out the men’s team with a strong free skate, marking his first Olympic selection after years of dedication.
The women’s singles team is led by Amber Glenn, who won her third straight national title and becomes the oldest U.S. women’s singles skater to debut at the Olympics since 1927. She is joined by Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion who returned from retirement, and Isabeau Levito, a young star with family ties to Milan. This trio is expected to challenge for medals, aiming to end a 20-year Olympic podium drought in women’s singles, with Glenn’s triple axel and Liu’s artistry highlighting their strengths.
Ice dance features the dominant pair of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who won a record-setting seventh national title and are seeking their first individual Olympic gold after multiple world championships. They are complemented by new teams like Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, who finished second, and Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, with Carreira recently securing U.S. citizenship just in time for the Games. This discipline showcases a blend of experience and youthful energy, with all teams expressing confidence ahead of Milan.
The pairs discipline presented challenges due to citizenship issues, as reigning champions Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov were ineligible despite winning the national title. Consequently, the team includes Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, who will make their Olympic debuts, and Emily Chan and Spencer Howe, who rallied from a disappointing short program. Howe, an Army soldier, adds a unique dimension to the team, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds of the athletes.
With less than a month until the Olympics begin, the U.S. team is focused on final preparations, drawing motivation from personal journeys and collective ambition. Skaters like Naumov have spoken about honoring lost loved ones, while others, such as Malinin, are eager to experience the Olympic Village and compete on the global stage. The team’s strength suggests potential success in the team event and individual competitions, with coaches and fans optimistic about breaking medal droughts.
As the skaters head to Milan, they carry the hopes of a nation and the legacy of past American champions. The 2026 Olympics offer an opportunity to showcase resilience, talent, and the unifying power of sport, with this diverse team embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines Olympic competition.
