Team USA Skating & 2026 Olympics: Gold Hopes & Athlete Choices
Livigno, Italy – The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games are already delivering moments of triumph for Team USA, with athletes exceeding expectations across a range of disciplines. The U.S. Team, aiming to build on their performance of 25 total medals – including eight gold – from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, is demonstrating a renewed competitive edge. The standard for American athletes in Italy has demonstrably increased, a sentiment echoed by those closely following the Games.
Kim Continues Dominance, Ferreira Strikes Gold
Snowboarder Chloe Kim is living up to her billing as a gold medal favorite, poised to potentially secure her third consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s snowboard halfpipe. Her previous victories came at the 2018 Pyeongyang Games and the 2022 Beijing Games, achievements that established her as a dominant force in the sport even at a young age – 17 when she first won Olympic gold. The 25-year-old Kim enters the competition as the clear athlete to beat.
Freestyle skier Alex Ferreira has already made his mark on these Games, claiming gold in the men’s freeski halfpipe. Ferreira’s journey to the top of the podium was a testament to perseverance, following a silver medal in PyeongChang 2018 and a bronze in Beijing 2022. It’s awesome representing Team USA, because I look at us and I think we’re the best team in the world, and then it’s special,
Ferreira stated after his win, emphasizing the pride he feels representing his country. He also revealed a playful side, mentioning that if freeskiing wasn’t an option, he’d pursue track and field or trampoline.
Figure Skating Team Ready to Compete
The U.S. Figure skating team is also generating excitement, with a roster of athletes considered ready to contend for medals. The team, comprised of 16 skaters across men’s, women’s, ice dance, and pairs events, has been described as one poised to leave a lasting legacy. As Justin Dillon, U.S. Figure Skating’s senior director of athlete high performance, told NPR, We’re not just going in just with a couple athletes here or there that hopefully will have some performance impact, but I believe we have a team that across the board will be remembered for years to come.
Among the women’s competitors, Amber Glenn of Texas is making her Olympic debut. Glenn’s journey to the Olympics is a story of dedication, having been figure skating for most of her life. Her mother, Cathlene Glenn, shared with People magazine that Amber landed her first single axel at the age of six.
Team USA’s Broader Olympic Performance
Team USA’s performance in Milan Cortina comes after a strong showing at the 2024 Paris Summer Games, where the U.S. Secured the most medals overall (126) and tied for the most gold medals (40) with China. The team is hoping to replicate that success in Italy, aiming to surpass the 25 total medals and eight gold medals earned at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. At those Games, the U.S. Finished fifth in the overall medal count, trailing Norway (16 gold), Germany (12 gold), and China (9 gold).
The United States has a rich history in the Winter Olympics, having accumulated a total of 330 medals through the Beijing 2022 Games – second only to Norway. This year’s team, consisting of approximately 230 athletes, is competing across 116 events. The Games, running from to , are providing a platform for these athletes to showcase their skills and pursue Olympic glory.
Beyond the Podium: Ferreira’s Unique Passion
Alex Ferreira’s story extends beyond his Olympic success. The 31-year-old, who began skiing at age three and competing at ten, has a unique alter ego known as “Hotdog Hans.” His dedication to the sport is further highlighted by his consistent success, including sweeping five world cups, X Games Aspen, and the Dew Tour during the 2023-2024 season. Ferreira’s versatility is also notable, as he has also medaled at the Winter X Games.
The early successes of Kim and Ferreira, coupled with the anticipation surrounding the figure skating team, signal a promising start for Team USA at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games. The team’s pursuit of medals is not only a testament to the athletes’ individual talent and dedication but also a reflection of the growing strength and depth of American winter sports.