UPDATE: Team USA has successfully defended its gold medal in the figure skating team competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, clinching victory in a nail-biting finish against Japan just moments ago. The thrilling event culminated in a dramatic final skate that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
With the U.S. and Japan locked in a fierce battle, all eyes were on Ilia Malinin, known as the “quad god,” as he took to the ice for the men’s free skate. Despite not achieving the highest score in the men’s short program, Malinin made history by executing a backflip, a rare move not seen in Olympic competition for decades. His performance, though marred by a fall, still netted an impressive 200.03 points, propelling Team USA to the top of the podium.
Japan’s Shun Sato delivered a near-perfect performance, scoring 194.86 points, but it was not enough to surpass the Americans. Earlier, Yuma Kagiyama had surprised many by defeating Malinin in the short program, earning Japan a maximum of 10 points. However, Japan opted to replace Kagiyama with Sato for the free skate, a decision that ultimately cost them the gold.
Malinin’s performance was a testament to his legendary status in the sport.
“That was all he needed to do,”
commented Olympian Johnny Weir. He underscored Malinin’s unique ability, stating,
“No one in the world can do what Malinin did.”
This victory holds special significance for Team USA, who entered the Milan Cortina Games as defending champions. After being denied gold medal ceremonies at the previous Olympics in Beijing due to a long investigation into Russian doping, this win is particularly meaningful for the team.
Looking ahead, the U.S. still has ample opportunities to secure more medals in figure skating as individual events loom on the horizon. With several skaters already favored, the excitement surrounding Team USA’s chances continues to build.
As the Olympic Games unfold, fans around the world are eager to see how Team USA will perform in upcoming events, keeping hopes high for additional medal victories. Stay tuned for further updates as the competition progresses!
