U.S. Clinches Gold in Thrilling Figure Skating Team Event

In a dramatic display over two days at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, Team USA’s hopes for a gold medal in the figure skating team event rested on their final skater, Ilia Malinin. At just 21 years old, Malinin, already a world champion known for his groundbreaking skills, faced intense pressure. A stumble that caused audible gasps didn’t deter him as he went on to perform a spectacular backflip, his second in as many nights, leaving the audience in awe.

The tension in the arena was palpable as Malinin awaited the result of Japan’s final competitor, Shun Sato. The atmosphere was electrifying until the announcer delivered Sato’s score, which fell short of Malinin’s. The scoreboard read USA 69, Japan 68, with Italy taking the bronze with 60 points, prompting joyous celebrations among the seven U.S. athletes.

Malinin’s achievement marked his first Olympic medal. Speaking to NBC Sports’ Andrea Joyce post-event, he shared that his approach on Sunday was rooted in gratitude for his team’s unwavering support, which helped him find a calm focus essential for his performance. “Without them, I don’t think I would’ve been able to accomplish this,” he said.

“Malinin’s achievement marked his first Olympic medal.”

This event was the inaugural medal ceremony for figure skating at these Games, continuing the U.S.’s success in this category for the second Olympics in a row. The competition was a two-day affair that amalgamated scores from four Saturday qualifying rounds and four Sunday finals in diverse skating disciplines.

For most events, the U.S. team showcased consistency, with Madison Chock and Evan Bates featuring in both rhythm and free dances, Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea in the pairs, and Malinin in the men’s singles. The sole change was in women’s singles: Alysa Liu performed on Saturday, while Amber Glenn took over on Sunday. Glenn, a seasoned national champion, admitted to feeling “guilty” for her third-place finish, which briefly surrendered the U.S. lead, citing feelings of exhaustion and unfamiliarity with the format.

As the decisive session began, the U.S. and Japan were neck-and-neck, each with 59 points. Malinin, hailing from Fairfax, Virginia, carried the weight of expectations with poise, exuding confidence as he entered the rink. He shed a Team USA jacket to reveal a dazzling black top underneath, while Sato appeared more subdued before his performance.

Despite being a luminary in figure skating, Malinin is not without flaws. His performance on Saturday edged him into the second spot, behind Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama. Sunday’s routine was not entirely flawless either; Malinin had to briefly steady himself on the ice after a fall, but his showmanship shone as he executed an extraordinary backflip that no competitor could rival, securing his position with a score of 200.03.

Sato, vying for gold for Japan, earned 194.86 points. However, Malinin’s remarkable efforts ensured victory for the U.S., turning a potentially nerve-wracking finish into a dazzling triumph.

Andrew Greif reports on sports for NBC News Digital, with contributions from The Associated Press.