BREAKING: Team USA has successfully defended its gold medal in the figure skating team competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics with a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The decisive moment came during the men’s free skate, where Team USA and Japan were neck and neck, making every performance crucial.
American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin, widely known as the “quad god,” took the ice under immense pressure, needing to secure a strong score for his team. Despite a fall, Malinin delivered a historic performance, scoring 200.03 points—enough to clinch gold for the U.S. team. His routine featured a stunning backflip, a move not seen in Olympic competition for decades, showcasing his unique talents. Commentator Johnny Weir praised Malinin’s effort, stating, “That was all he needed to do. No one in the world can do what he did.”
Japan’s rising star, Shun Sato, followed with a near-perfect routine, finishing with a score of 194.86, which ultimately fell short of gold. Earlier, Japan had initially gained an advantage when Yuma Kagiyama upset Malinin in the short program, but the decision to replace him for the free skate proved costly.
This victory carries significant weight for Team USA, who previously faced a setback in 2022 when they were denied medal ceremonies due to a doping investigation involving Russian athletes. Winning gold at the Milan Cortina Games marks a triumphant return to the top for the American team.
Looking ahead, Team USA remains a strong contender in individual figure skating events, with several athletes poised for success. The excitement surrounding these competitions is palpable as fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances.
Stay tuned for updates as the 2026 Winter Olympics continue to unfold, and Team USA seeks to add more medals to its tally.
