Alysa Liu helps Team USA win gold in figure skating team event comeback

Team USA claimed an emotional second consecutive gold medal in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday. Ilia Malinin delivered clutch performance in the men’s free skate to secure victory. The Americans edged Japan by just one point in an epic competition that crowned four first-time Olympic medalists.

Malinin Delivers Under Pressure for Team USA Gold

Ilia Malinin, the 21-year-old known as the “Quad God,” came through when it mattered most. Competing in the men’s free skate on Sunday at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, Malinin executed five quadruple jumps despite a mid-program stumble. His dramatic 200.03 score proved decisive. Japan’s Sato Shun mounted a gallant challenge with a career-best 194.86 points, but fell short by the skin of his teeth.

Team USA now becomes the first team to win back-to-back gold medals in the team event since it debuted in 2014. The Americans finished with 69 points, stunning observers who expected a much tighter margin. Italy claimed an emotional bronze medal, earning their first-ever Olympic medal in this event.

Alysa Liu’s Triumphant Return to Olympic Stage

Alysa Liu, the 20-year-old phenom making her comeback after retirement, brought joy and authenticity to Team USA’s campaign. Competing in the women’s short program on Friday, Liu finished in second place with 74.90 points, behind Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto who scored an impressive 78.88 points. Liu’s energy proved contagious, and her teammates including Amber Glenn and Ilia Malinin cheered loudly from the sidelines.

What makes Liu’s story remarkable is her transformation from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she competed in pain and darkness before retiring at age 16. She returned to the ice in 2024, and last year won the World Championship title, stunning the skating world. At these Games, she competes with a smile, showing personality through her raccoon-striped hair and performing to the deeply emotive Laufey song “Promise.”

Team USA’s Complete Roster Powers to Victory

Team USA fielded an exceptional squad that proved their dominance across all disciplines. In pairs competition, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea rebounded from a shaky short program with a season-best 135.36 points in their free skate. Ice dance champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates opened the competition strong, posting 91.08 points to lead their event. Amber Glenn competed in the women’s free skate segment. The depth of American talent proved absolutely decisive.

“I am very happy to be here compared to last time, which was like, ‘Let’s just get it over.’ This time feels so completely different. I know who I am as a person now.”

— Alysa Liu, Team USA Figure Skater

Japan’s Heartbreaking Silver Medal Performance

Japan mounted a fierce challenge throughout the three-day competition at Milan-Cortina. Kaori Sakamoto dominated the women’s short program with her season-high 78.88 points. Pairs skating featured Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who delivered solid performances. When Sato Shun took the ice in the men’s free skate, observers sensed momentum toward a potential upset.

However, Malinin’s superior artistry and technical mastery proved too much to overcome. Sato finished with 194.86 points, a personal best for the Japanese skater, yet six points separated him from gold. Japan won silver for a second straight Olympic Games, but falling one point short undoubtedly stung the Japanese contingent.

What Does This Victory Mean for Team USA’s 2026 Olympics Campaign?

The team event gold sets positive momentum heading into individual competitions. Malinin seeks another gold medal in the men’s singles event, while Liu prepares for the women’s competition later in the Games. Chock and Bates carry confidence into their ice dance final, hoping to capture the gold medal that has eluded them throughout their legendary career. This team gold demonstrates American excellence will define the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Sources

• Olympics.com – Official coverage of Ilia Malinin’s performance and team event results
• USA Today – Live updates and detailed scoring from figure skating competition
• NBC Olympics – Profile of Alysa Liu’s comeback and Olympic experience

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.