Team USA has cemented its status as a figure skating powerhouse, clinching the Team USA gold medal in the figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. In a nail-biting finale that came down to the very last skater, the United States narrowly edged out Japan by a single point, 69-68, to defend their Olympic title. The victory was anchored by a spectacular, albeit gritty, performance from the "Quad God" himself, Ilia Malinin, whose free skate score of 200.03 was just enough to secure the top spot on the podium.

The "Quad God" Seals the Deal

Entering the final event of the team competition—the men's free skate—the pressure on Ilia Malinin was immense. The U.S. and Japan were locked in a fierce battle, separated by the thinnest of margins. Malinin, the reigning World Champion known for his gravity-defying jumps, needed to deliver a commanding performance to hold off a surging Japanese team.

Malinin did not disappoint. Skating to a dramatic score, he unleashed an arsenal of five quadruple jumps. While he opted out of his signature quadruple Axel in favor of a triple, and faced a tense moment with a quarter-under-rotation on a quad Lutz, his technical prowess remained unmatched. His segment score of 200.03 propelled him to first place in the free skate, defeating Japan's Shun Sato, who posted a career-best 194.86.

"It really came down to the energy, the support, the passion from my whole team," Malinin said moments after the victory. "I went in there knowing it was going to be a tiebreaker... and it went exactly as planned."

Shun Sato's Heroic Challenge

The gold medal was far from guaranteed until the final scores were read. Japan’s Shun Sato, substituting for short program winner Yuma Kagiyama, delivered the skate of his life. Sato was nearly flawless, executing a clean and artistic program that had the Milano Ice Skating Arena holding its breath. Had Sato scored just over five points higher, the gold would have gone to Japan. Ultimately, Malinin's superior technical base value proved to be the difference-maker.

Unsung Heroes: Kam and O'Shea's Career-Best Skate

While Malinin closed the show, the foundation for this Team USA gold medal was laid earlier in the day by pairs skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea. Coming into the free skate, the pairs discipline was considered a potential vulnerability for the Americans. However, Kam and O'Shea silenced the doubters with a stunning performance.

The duo skated a clean, emotional program that earned them a personal best score of 135.36. Their performance was a critical turning point, earning 7 points for the team—one more than projected—and keeping the U.S. in pole position ahead of the final two segments. NBC commentators Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir described the skate as "unstoppable" and "absolutely stunning," highlighting the pair's mental fortitude under Olympic pressure.

A Tight Race to the Finish

The Milano Cortina 2026 results for the team event reflect one of the closest contests in Olympic history. The final standings saw the United States with 69 points, Japan with 68, and host nation Italy taking the bronze with 60 points.

Every single point mattered. In the women's free skate, U.S. Champion Amber Glenn fought through nerves to finish third with a score of 138.62. While she struggled with the landing of her triple Axel and a combination jump, her ability to stay on her feet and secure 8 points for the team was vital. Her gritty performance ensured that Malinin had a fighting chance going into the finale.

Meanwhile, the ice dance team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates remained a consistent force for Team USA, sweeping their assignments and providing a reliable points cushion throughout the competition.

Historic Defense of the Olympic Title

This victory marks a significant milestone in figure skating news 2026. Team USA has now successfully defended the gold medal they were awarded from the 2022 Beijing Games, becoming the first nation to win back-to-back Olympic team titles. The win showcases the depth of American skating across all four disciplines—men's, women's, pairs, and ice dance.

"It took every single point for us to do it today," said team captain Danny O'Shea. "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."

As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue, the individual events loom large. But for now, Team USA stands atop the podium, united by a hard-fought victory that required every ounce of skill, nerve, and teamwork they possessed.