Ilia Malinin has made significant strides in the figure skating world, culminating in his selection for the upcoming Olympic team. The U.S. Figure Skating team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina will be announced soon. Key figures in this announcement include several top performers from the recent championships in St. Louis.
Key Athletes Secured for the 2026 Olympics
The leading contenders for the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team are well-established. Notable names include:
- Ilia Malinin: Known as the “Quad God,” he earned his national title with an impressive 57-point lead.
- Amber Glenn: Continues to dominate women’s singles with her artistic performance.
- Alysa Liu: A standout skater with consistent podium finishes.
- Isabeau Levito: Secured her spot with a strong third-place finish in St. Louis.
- Madison Chock and Evan Bates: The ice dance duo is striving for their first Olympic medal in their fourth Olympic appearance.
The Olympic Selection Process
The selection for the U.S. figure skating team is not solely based on the championships. The U.S. Figure Skating’s International Committee considers performances from 2025 leading up to the U.S. Championships in 2026. A total of 16 skaters—including three men, three women, two pairs, and three ice dance teams—will represent the U.S. in Milano Cortina.
Potential Pairists and Ice Dancers
For pairs, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea are expected to be strong contenders after finishing second at the U.S. Championships. Additionally, Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik are likely to secure a spot in ice dance after recent podium placements.
Contenders and Dark Horses
While some athletes are almost assured a place, others are fighting for the remaining spots. The men’s field includes:
- Jason Brown: Once considered a lock, he faced challenges in the free skate segment.
- Andrew Torgashev: A two-time silver medalist and strong contender.
- Jacob Sanchez: The rising star impressed with a fourth-place finish in St. Louis.
For pairs, options include Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman, as well as Audrey Shin and Balazs Nagy. The potential second pair position is highly competitive.
Longshot Candidates
While hope remains, some athletes face long odds:
- Men: Jimmy Ma
- Women: Bradie Tennell
- Pairs: Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov
- Ice Dance: Caroline Green and Michael Parsons
These skaters have impressive backgrounds but may find themselves edged out due to the depth of talent in the field.
As anticipation builds, the announcement will reveal who will join Ilia Malinin in representing the U.S. at the Games. Fans are eager to see how this selection may impact America’s chances for gold in Milano Cortina.
