UPDATE: Team USA has successfully defended its gold medal in the figure skating team competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, delivering a nail-biting finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With an electrifying performance from Ilia Malinin, the competition came down to the final skate, securing victory against a formidable challenge from Japan.
As the competition unfolded on Saturday, February 10, 2026, Malinin—known as the “quad god”—faced immense pressure in the men’s free skate. Despite not achieving his top score in the men’s short program, he made history by executing a rare backflip, a move not seen at the Olympics in decades. Although his performance included a fall, Malinin’s score of 200.03 propelled Team USA to the gold medal, underscoring his legendary status in the sport.
Japan’s Shun Sato followed with a near-perfect free skate, scoring 194.86, but it was not enough to overcome the American team’s lead. Earlier in the event, Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama surprised fans by upsetting Malinin in the short program, earning his team maximum points before being swapped out for Sato in the free skate—a tactical decision that ultimately did not pay off.
The stakes were high for Team USA, who entered the games as defending champions. This victory is particularly meaningful following the team’s previous heartbreak at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where they were denied a medal ceremony due to the fallout from a Russian doping investigation. Collectively, the team’s triumph in Milan marks a significant redemption.
Malinin’s strength lies in his free skate routine, which featured seven planned quad jumps, including the elusive quad axel, a feat unmatched in competition. His performance not only solidified Team USA’s position at the top but also reignited excitement for figure skating among fans worldwide.
The U.S. has additional opportunities to medal in the upcoming individual events, with several skaters currently favored to continue their winning streak. The next competitions are set to unfold in the coming days, and all eyes will be on the American team as they aim to build on their success.
Stay tuned for further updates as the 2026 Winter Olympics continue to unfold, showcasing the resilience and talent of Team USA on the global stage.
