The U.S. figure skating team is set to showcase a formidable presence at the upcoming Winter Olympics, with many experts deeming this squad one of the strongest in recent years. Following a successful outing at the Beijing Games in 2022, where Team USA captured gold in both the team and men’s events, expectations are high for the athletes competing in Milan, starting with the multi-day team event on February 6, 2026.
The team, announced in mid-January after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, consists of a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. According to Ashley Wagner, a three-time national champion and 2014 Olympic medalist, the depth and talent within the U.S. team is unprecedented. She expressed particular enthusiasm for the women’s field, noting, “This is the first time in about four Olympic cycles that we have three women who could realistically end up on the Olympic podium.”
The 16 American skaters include reigning world champions such as Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, and the ice dance duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates. The roster features three male singles skaters, three women’s singles, two pairs, and three ice dance teams, all ready to compete fiercely on the international stage.
Men’s Singles: Rising Stars and Established Talent
Leading the men’s singles is Ilia Malinin, the reigning four-time U.S. champion known as the “Quad God” for his ability to perform quadruple jumps with remarkable precision. The 21-year-old from Virginia has not lost a competition since 2023 and made history by landing the first quadruple Axel in international competition in 2022. This will be his Olympic debut, and he has expressed a desire to compete in three Olympic cycles, aiming for a potential return in Salt Lake City in 2034.
Joining Malinin are Andrew Torgashev, who earned a silver medal at the national championships, and Maxim Naumov. Torgashev, 24, showcased his resilience this season after overcoming early challenges, while Naumov, also 24, carries a poignant story of loss and determination, having lost his parents in a tragic plane crash in January 2025. “It’s all about being resilient,” he remarked, reflecting on his journey toward the Olympics.
Women’s Singles: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The women’s singles category features Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito. Glenn, at 26, is making her Olympic debut after a decade-long career, becoming the first U.S. woman since Michelle Kwan to win three consecutive national titles. She has become a role model for many, openly discussing her mental health struggles and advocating for inclusivity in the sport.
Liu, at 20, is returning to the Olympics after a brief retirement. She made headlines as a child for being the youngest skater to land a triple Axel in competition and has made a triumphant comeback, winning gold at the World Championships in March 2025. Her journey encapsulates resilience and personal growth, having taken control of her training and artistic expression upon her return.
The youngest member of Team USA is 18-year-old Levito, who has quickly gained recognition for her poise and artistic style. As the 2023 U.S. champion and 2024 world silver medalist, she is looking forward to competing in front of her family in Milan, where her mother has roots.
Pairs and Ice Dance: Dynamic Duos Prepare for Competition
In the pairs category, Team USA will be represented by bronze medalists Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, who have been skating together since 2022. O’Shea, 34, has spent years striving for an Olympic opportunity, while his partner Kam has quickly made a name for herself alongside him. They will be joined by Spencer Howe and Emily Chan, who have shown resilience following a challenging season.
The ice dance segment features the standout couple of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are three-time Olympians and reigning world champions. With a strong partnership that began in 2011 and blossomed into a personal relationship, their performances often reflect their chemistry and shared passion for the sport. They are joined by rising talents Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, along with Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, both of whom have navigated their own unique paths to the Olympic stage.
As the athletes prepare for the Winter Olympics, the anticipation builds around their performances in Milan. With a blend of established champions and emerging talents, Team USA is poised to make a significant impact, aiming for medals and memorable moments on the ice.