US Figure Skating Olympic Team Announcement Updates: Malinin In, Final Men’s Spots Revealed

ST. LOUIS — Team USA’s figure skating roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics is officially being revealed, ending days of speculation following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The headline decision is now confirmed: Ilia Malinin will lead the American men in Milano Cortina, with the final two men’s singles spots also announced. For official rolling coverage of the reveal, see USA TODAY’s live US figure skating Olympic team announcement updates .

The United States will send a record 16 figure skaters to the Milano Cortina Games, the most of any nation. The roster includes three men, three women, three ice dance teams and two pairs teams. Unlike traditional Olympic trials, selections are based on an athlete’s broader body of work across the past two seasons, including international results and consistency under pressure.

Men’s singles update: Malinin headlines, final two spots revealed

Ilia Malinin entered the selection process as an undisputed lock after dominating the national championships. Known globally for his unmatched quad jump arsenal, Malinin gives the U.S. its strongest gold-medal threat in men’s singles and a crucial scoring edge in the Olympic team event.

The suspense centered on the remaining two men’s spots — and U.S. Figure Skating ultimately selected Andrew Torgashev and Maxim Naumov. Torgashev’s steadiness throughout the season and strong Nationals performances helped secure his place, while Naumov’s complete résumé and resilience weighed heavily in the final decision.

Emotional moment as Maxim Naumov’s Olympic selection is announced on ice

One of the most powerful moments of the team reveal came during the official on-ice announcement confirming Maxim Naumov’s Olympic selection. A 68-second video circulating on social media captured the scene inside the Enterprise Center as Naumov’s name was announced, drawing loud cheers from the St. Louis crowd during the championships’ gala tradition of live team reveals.

Naumov, 24, finished fourth at the national championships but earned his Olympic place based on his overall body of work. The moment carried added emotional weight following the tragic loss of both of his parents in a plane crash near Washington, D.C., in January 2025 — a loss that deeply shaped his season and resonated across the figure skating community.

Earlier in the competition, Naumov dedicated his short program to his parents, skating to music that reflected family memories and perseverance. The live announcement, broadcast on USA Network, turned his Olympic qualification into one of the defining scenes of the event — a journey from personal tragedy to the sport’s biggest stage.

MAX NAUMOV IS HEADING TO THE OLYMPICS FOR THE FIRST TIME#RoadtoMilanoCortina pic.twitter.com/FqIS7c7953

— Team USA Olympics Updates and Coverage (@TeamUSAOLYCov) January 11, 2026

Women’s singles: deep and settled Olympic lineup

The women’s singles team was widely viewed as settled heading into the announcement. Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito will represent the United States in Italy, giving Team USA one of its deepest women’s lineups in years with legitimate podium potential depending on execution and momentum.

Ice dance: Chock and Bates return for another Olympic run

In ice dance, veteran duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates were among the first names confirmed. Fresh off another U.S. title, the pair is headed to their fourth Olympics together, remaining a cornerstone of the American medal push and a reliable presence in the team event.

Pairs: Kam and O’Shea earn Olympic selection

In pairs, Ellie Kam and Daniel O’Shea secured their Olympic spot, marking the first Games appearance for the partnership. Their consistency across the season and strong Nationals showing separated them from a competitive pairs field.

What comes next for Team USA

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics open on February 6, with figure skating once again expected to be a centerpiece of the Games. With a roster blending superstar talent, emotional storylines and proven international performers, Team USA now turns its focus from selection drama to Olympic preparation.

Additional ice dance teams and the final remaining selections will continue to be confirmed as the live announcement progresses, completing the full 16-skater Olympic delegation.

Updated: Jan. 11, 2026 — reflects confirmed Olympic selections and live announcement moments.