The anticipation is building for the pairs figure skating events at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Scheduled for February 15 and 16, the competitions will take place at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Assago, Italy. The United States team, led by Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, aims to break a long-standing drought in this category.
Overview of the Pairs Figure Skating Event
This discipline has a history of near-misses for Team USA. The American pairs team has not secured Olympic gold, with their last medal occurring in 1988. Last month, the two-time reigning U.S. champions, Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, were ruled ineligible for the Olympics due to Efimova’s citizenship status, leaving Kam and O’Shea to carry the hopes of the nation.
Event Schedule and Viewing Options
Here’s how to watch the pairs figure skating events live:
- Venue: Milano Ice Skating Arena, Assago, Italy
- Date: February 15-16, 2026
- TV Broadcast: NBC, USA Network
- Streaming: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com
Pairs Figure Skating Live Schedule
| Date | Event | Time (ET) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 15 | Pairs Short Program, Part 1 | 1:30 p.m. | USA |
| Feb. 15 | Pairs Short Program, Part 2 | 3:00 p.m. | NBC |
| Feb. 16 | Pairs Free Skate, Part 1 | 1:45 p.m. | USA |
| Feb. 16 | Pairs Free Skate, Part 2 | 3:55 p.m. | NBC |
Key Competitors
The favorites for gold include Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the defending world champions. They excelled in both the pairs short and free programs at the previous team event. Kam and O’Shea, who finished in fifth and fourth, respectively, are looking to build on their momentum and personal-best scores.
Looking Ahead to the Winter Olympics
As the events approach, excitement surrounds not only the competitors but also the judging process. Previous issues in scoring have added a layer of drama for fans. The International Judging System, while detailed, still leaves room for subjective interpretations that can lead to debate.
With the stage set for a thrilling competition, fans can look forward to watching the pairs figure skating events live at the 2026 Winter Olympics. All eyes will be on the rink as athletes strive for glory and the chance to make history for their country.
