One-Point THRILLER — Team USA Stuns Japan
Team USA figure skaters just proved that American excellence and grit can overcome even the closest international competition, delivering a nail-biting one-point victory over Japan that showcased the kind of resilience and individual responsibility our nation was built on.
Story Highlights
- Team USA secured Olympic figure skating team gold by a razor-thin 69-68 margin over Japan in Milan, with Ilia Malinin’s clutch performance sealing victory
- The win marks America’s second consecutive team gold and first immediate podium ceremony after 2022’s medal was delayed by Russian doping scandal
- Pairs skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea delivered career-best performances despite U.S. pairs not medaling since 1988
- Veterans Madison Chock and Evan Bates contributed crucial 20 points, while first-time Olympian Amber Glenn overcame nerves to keep Team USA competitive
Malinin’s Five Quads Deliver Victory Under Pressure
Ilia Malinin earned his “Quad God” nickname when it mattered most, landing five quadruple jumps in his men’s free skate to score 200.03 points and clinch gold for Team USA. The 21-year-old two-time world champion faced immense pressure after placing second in the short program, but he delivered when his country needed him. His performance included a backflip that drew cheers from tennis star Novak Djokovic in the crowd. Malinin’s closing statement was simple and patriotic: “We came here to do one job, and we achieved it.” This kind of accountability and execution under pressure reflects the values that made America great.
Underdog Pairs Team Defies Expectations
Team captain Danny O’Shea and partner Ellie Kam proved that hard work and determination can overcome historical disadvantages. U.S. pairs haven’t medaled at the Olympics since 1988, yet Kam and O’Shea delivered a career-defining free skate, placing fourth and keeping Japan at bay. O’Shea specifically aimed to reduce pressure on teammates, embodying the selfless leadership our country needs. Their contribution was critical in maintaining the narrow lead that ultimately secured gold. This pairs team demonstrated that Americans don’t need government programs or special advantages, just the opportunity to compete and the drive to excel through personal effort and responsibility.
Veterans and Newcomers Unite for American Success
Three-time world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates anchored Team USA’s effort, sweeping both ice dance segments to contribute 20 crucial points. As the only returning skaters from the 2022 team, they provided veteran stability. First-time Olympian Amber Glenn faced nerves in her women’s free skate, placing third, but showed the mental toughness to perform when Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto tied the score heading into the final rotation. Glenn acknowledged her “first-time Olympian” jitters but credited her mental strength for pushing through. This team victory showcased American depth across disciplines and the power of individuals coming together for a common goal without sacrificing personal accountability.
Clean Victory Contrasts With Past Doping Scandals
This Milan victory holds special significance as the first U.S. team gold with an immediate medal ceremony. Team USA’s 2022 Beijing silver was upgraded to gold in 2024 after Russia’s Kamila Valieva was stripped of her medal due to doping violations. That scandal delayed the rightful American celebration for two years, exemplifying how other nations undermine fair competition through cheating and government-sponsored programs. The 2026 triumph in Milan was earned cleanly and celebrated immediately, with medals awarded just 30 minutes after Malinin’s decisive skate. This win reinforces America’s commitment to honest competition and legitimate achievement, values that should extend beyond sports into all aspects of governance and society where integrity matters more than shortcuts.
American Figure Skating Legacy Continues Strong
The United States has amassed 54 Olympic figure skating medals since 1924, including 17 golds, demonstrating consistent excellence rooted in individual training and private coaching systems. American dominance peaked with legends like Dick Button’s back-to-back men’s golds in 1948 and 1952, and the 1956 sweep of five singles medals. Since the team event debuted in 2014, the U.S. has now secured two consecutive golds, proving American athletes can adapt to new formats while maintaining traditional strengths in singles and ice dance. The narrow 69-68 victory over Japan highlights both the rising global competition and America’s ability to win through clutch performances when individual responsibility meets collective purpose, a formula that works in sports and should guide national policy.
Sources:
Ilia Malinin, U.S. win figure skating team gold at Olympics – ESPN
Team USA’s path to Olympic figure skating team gold was full of surprises – NBC Olympics
U.S. figure skating history: All winners, medal stats – ESPN
Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Preview: Figure Skating – Team USA