Team USA Figure Skaters: Notable Athletes and Their Stories

Amber Glenn, Evan Bates, Madison Chock, and Ilia Malinin stand among the sixteen skaters representing the USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcased at the national championships in St. Louis.

The American figure skating team is expected to impress at the Winter Games, bringing arguably the most formidable squad seen in recent times. With past Olympic golds from the 2022 Beijing Games, hopes are high for a powerful performance.

Ashley Wagner, a three-time national champion and 2014 Olympic medalist, expressed her excitement about the U.S. team's global standing, particularly the potential in the women's division, which sees a strong chance at clinching a gold for the first time since 2002. 'It has been many Olympic cycles since we've had three women who could vie for a podium finish,' she stated.

Meet the Team Members

The roster of 16 skaters features experienced athletes and up-and-coming talents such as reigning world champions Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, and the ice dance pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates. The team is composed of three men, three women, three ice dance pairs, and two pairs teams, looking forward to a challenging competition in Milan starting February 6.

Men's Single Skaters: Ilia Malinin, Andrew Torgashev, Maxim Naumov

Ilia Malinin, known as a transformative figure in men's figure skating, has not experienced defeat in any competition since 2023. He holds the title of a four-time U.S. champion and is regarded as Team USA's top candidate for men's gold.

Malinin, hailing from Virginia and trained by his Olympic veteran parents from Uzbekistan, is renowned for his spectacular quad jumps, earning the moniker 'Quad God.' He's the trailblazer behind the quadruple Axel and continues to push boundaries, having achieved seven clean quadruple jumps in a single performance at the 2025 ISU Grand Prix.

This cycle marks Malinin's Olympic debut, following a near miss for the Beijing team in 2022, and he aims for longevity in sport across three Games.

Joining him is Andrew Torgashev, who took national silver again with an extraordinary free skate performance capturing spectators' enthusiasm. Born to former Soviet skating champions, Torgashev is celebrated for powerful jumps and expressive routines.

Rounding out the men's roster is Maxim Naumov, who trained through personal loss, honoring his parents' legacy. After placing fourth in previous years, he secured national bronze and now wears the U.S. Olympic jacket with pride.

Women's Single Skaters: Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, Isabeau Levito

Amber Glenn, at 26 and a newcomer to the Olympics, has steadily climbed the ranks over a decade, echoing the achievements of Michelle Kwan with three consecutive national titles. Known for her tenacity and inspiring personal story, Glenn advocates for mental health and representation within the sport.

Alysa Liu, returning from a brief retirement, represents a compelling comeback. Once the youngest to land a triple Axel at an international stage, Liu stepped back post-2022 Olympics, rediscovering her love for the sport during a casual ski trip. She's since captured a world title and continues to impress with complex jumps and dynamic performances.

Isabeau Levito, only 18, brings grace and self-assurance to her Olympic debut. With established achievements, including a U.S. championship and a world silver medal, Levito has a personal tie to Milan, making her Olympic journey especially meaningful for her Euro-centric family.

Pairs Skaters: Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, Emily Chan and Spencer Howe

Despite citizenship hurdles, Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea earned their spots by demonstrating their prowess. O'Shea, fulfilling a long-standing Olympic goal, returns to competition with renewed vigor after a semi-retirement stint.

Also representing pairs are Emily Chan and Spencer Howe, who surmounted early challenges to secure an Olympic position. Howe, a U.S. Army enlistee balancing military duties with skating, embodies perseverance alongside Chan, thriving amid the loss shared by their Boston training hub.

Ice Dance Pairs: Chock and Bates, Zingas and Kolesnik, Carreira and Ponomarenko

Madison Chock and Evan Bates dominate the ice dance scene, continuing their streak with seven consecutive national titles and distinct creative performances. Their partnership is enriched by both artistic and personal bonds since collaborating in 2011.

Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, though newer partners, have swiftly ascended the rankings, showcasing their skills and diverse backgrounds, with Zingas' Cypriot heritage and Kolesnik's Ukrainian roots.

Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, enduring logistic hurdles, have solidified their place in the team. Carreira, now a U.S. citizen, and Ponomarenko, hailing from accomplished Olympic lineage, bring both experience and innovation to the dance floor.