Olympic Review: Best Performances of the US Figure Skating Team
The US figure skating team delivered remarkable performances at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, showcasing world-class talent across multiple disciplines in the team event.
The American skaters earned the gold medal in the team competition, though they had to wait over 2-1/2 years to receive their medals due to a doping controversy.
This extraordinary delay made the eventual medal ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympics an emotionally charged moment for the athletes involved.
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Nathan Chen led the charge with a career-best score of 111.71 in the men's short program, while other team members contributed strong performances across pairs, ice dance, and women's events.
The team initially finished second behind the Russian Olympic Committee but was later elevated to gold after investigations concluded.
Their collective effort represented the best result ever for the United States in the Olympic team event format.
You'll discover the standout individual performances that secured this historic victory, learn about the athletes who made it possible, and understand the unique circumstances surrounding their long-awaited recognition.
The journey from competition to medal ceremony reveals both the excellence of American figure skating and the resilience required when Olympic glory is delayed.
Key Takeaways
- The US figure skating team won gold in the 2022 Beijing Olympics team event but received their medals 912 days later in Paris.
- Nathan Chen's career-best performance and contributions from across all disciplines secured America's best-ever team event result.
- The delayed medal ceremony highlighted both the team's athletic excellence and the impact of the Russian doping controversy on Olympic competition.

Overview of the 2022 US Figure Skating Team's Olympic Triumph
The U.S. figure skating team earned their first-ever Olympic gold medal in the team event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, though the victory was clouded by a doping scandal that delayed the medal ceremony for more than two years.
The nine American athletes who competed in February 2022 finally received their gold medals in August 2024 at an unprecedented ceremony during the Paris Summer Games.
Delayed Gold Medal Award and Its Impact
The U.S. Olympic figure skating team competed in the team event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in February, initially placing second with 65 points behind the Russian Olympic Committee's 74 points.
A doping investigation involving a Russian skater prevented the International Olympic Committee from holding the medal ceremony in Beijing.
The athletes waited 2.5 years for their medals while the case went through various appeals and rulings.
The lengthy delay meant you witnessed an unprecedented situation in Olympic history.
Athletes who earned their medals in winter sports had to wait until the following Summer Olympics to receive them.
The extended period affected the team's ability to celebrate their achievement during what should have been their moment of triumph.
Athletes Honored in Paris
The gold medal ceremony took place on August 7, 2024, in Paris, France, during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
Nine members of the U.S. figure skating team received their medals in a historic event, marking the first time Winter Olympic athletes were awarded medals at a Summer Games.
The team had competed across four disciplines: men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance.
The ceremony at the Paris Games occurred with the Eiffel Tower in the background, providing a memorable setting for the long-awaited recognition.
Each athlete who contributed to the team's scoring in Beijing was present to accept their gold medal.
Emotional Reactions and Team Reflections
The emotional weight of the delayed recognition was evident during the Paris ceremony.
Your fellow Americans had spent years knowing they were Olympic champions without the official acknowledgment or medals to prove it.
The team's victory represented a significant milestone as the first Olympic gold medal for the United States in the figure skating team event, which had been added to the Olympic program in 2014.
Previous editions of the team event in 2014 and 2018 had seen the U.S. reach the podium but never capture gold.
The achievement in Beijing broke that pattern, establishing a new benchmark for American figure skating despite the circumstances surrounding the medal presentation.

Key Performances at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
The U.S. figure skating team delivered several remarkable performances at Beijing 2022, with Nathan Chen's gold medal triumph leading a series of strong showings across multiple disciplines.
The Americans secured medals in men's singles and ice dance while contributing to the team event.
Nathan Chen's Record-Shattering Skate
Nathan Chen dominated the men's competition with a performance that erased the disappointment of his 2018 Olympic experience.
He executed a technically flawless short program that set a new personal best and established him as the clear frontrunner.
His free skate showcased five quadruple jumps, including a quad flip and quad Lutz combination that demonstrated his technical superiority.
Chen's total score cemented his status as the Olympic champion you had been waiting to see.
His artistry matched his technical prowess, with choreography that highlighted his maturity as a performer.
The victory marked the first U.S. men's figure skating gold medal since Evan Lysacek in 2010.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates' Ice Dance Brilliance
Madison Chock and Evan Bates captured bronze in the ice dance competition with two polished programs.
Their rhythm dance to blues music showcased intricate footwork and strong edges that earned high technical scores.
The lifts demonstrated the power and precision that defined their partnership.
Their free dance performance combined emotional depth with technical difficulty.
You witnessed their connection and synchronization throughout the program, elements that impressed both judges and spectators.
Chock and Bates' bronze medal added to the U.S. ice dance legacy at the Olympics.
Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue also represented the U.S. in ice dance, finishing fourth overall.
Their performances featured complex patterns and innovative choreography that pushed the boundaries of the discipline.
Standout Contributions from Team Members
Vincent Zhou delivered a powerful free skate in the team event before withdrawing from individual competition due to COVID-19 protocols.
His quad Lutz and quad Salchow in the team event helped secure points for the American squad.
Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier made their Olympic debut in pairs skating with solid performances.
Their programs featured side-by-side triple jumps and dramatic throw elements that displayed their partnership's strength.
Karen Chen and Alysa Liu competed in the women's event, with both skaters contributing to the team competition and representing U.S. figure skating's depth of talent.
Historic Moments in Team Competition
The U.S. figure skating team earned a silver medal in the team event, though the final standings remained under review due to an ongoing investigation.
You saw contributions from all disciplines as skaters earned crucial points through their short and free programs.
Team Event Contributions:
- Men's Singles: Nathan Chen and Vincent Zhou
- Women's Singles: Karen Chen and Alysa Liu
- Pairs: Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier
- Ice Dance: Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue
The team format allowed younger skaters like Alysa Liu to gain Olympic experience while veterans provided steady leadership.
Each performance added to the cumulative score that determined the final medal standings.

Aftermath and Significance of the Olympic Gold Medal Ceremony
The delayed gold medal ceremony for the U.S. figure skating team, held two years after their victory at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, represented a significant moment in Olympic history.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling against Russia and the subsequent Paris ceremony provided closure while highlighting the complexities of modern competitive sports.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport's Ruling
The Court of Arbitration for Sport played a crucial role in resolving the controversy that prevented your team from receiving their medals in Beijing.
The investigation centered on a doping violation involving Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, whose positive test results emerged during the 2022 Games.
This case delayed the medal ceremony for over two years while officials conducted thorough reviews.
The ruling ultimately disqualified Russia from the team competition, elevating the United States to gold, Japan to silver, and Canada to bronze.
Your athletes were forced to wait an unprecedented length of time for official recognition of their achievement.
The decision affirmed the integrity of Olympic competition and demonstrated that anti-doping protocols would be enforced regardless of geopolitical pressures.
Paris Ceremony: Symbolism and Closure
The Paris Summer Games hosted a special ceremony where you finally watched your figure skating teammates receive their 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics gold medals.
This unprecedented event marked the first time Winter Olympic medals were awarded during a Summer Games.
The ceremony acknowledged the unique circumstances while ensuring your athletes received proper recognition.
The venue and timing emphasized the Olympic movement's commitment to fair competition.
Your team members stood on the podium in Paris, experiencing a moment they had been denied two years earlier.
The ceremony provided emotional closure for athletes who had competed under extraordinary pressure and uncertainty in Beijing.
Reactions from the Figure Skating Community
Your fellow athletes and coaches expressed mixed emotions about the delayed recognition.
Many welcomed the validation of their hard work but noted that the moment lacked the immediacy and context of receiving medals immediately after competition.
The two-year gap meant some team members had already retired or moved into different phases of their careers.
Figure skating officials and fans debated whether the delay diminished the significance of the achievement.
Some argued that justice delayed is justice denied, while others maintained that receiving the correct medal eventually mattered more than timing.
The situation prompted discussions about improving anti-doping procedures to prevent similar delays in future Olympic competitions.

Profiles of Standout US Figure Skaters
The US figure skating team has delivered exceptional performances through decorated ice dance champions, groundbreaking individual skaters who revolutionized technical standards, and rising stars who represent the sport's future trajectory.
Career Achievements of Madison Chock and Evan Bates
Madison Chock and Evan Bates have established themselves as one of the most successful ice dance teams in US history.
The duo captured three World Championship medals, including gold in 2015 and 2023, demonstrating remarkable longevity at the sport's highest level.
Chock and Bates earned multiple national titles and represented the United States at three Olympic Games.
You'll find their artistry particularly notable in their innovative choreography and strong technical execution across all ice dance disciplines.
Their partnership spans over a decade of competitive skating.
The team's consistency placed them among the top ice dance competitors globally throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s.
They contributed significantly to the US figure skating team's success at international championships.
Their competitive repertoire included memorable performances that balanced technical precision with emotional storytelling.
The Legacy of Nathan Chen and Karen Chen
Nathan Chen transformed men's figure skating through his unprecedented quadruple jump content.
He won three consecutive World Championship titles from 2018 to 2019 and again in 2021, plus six consecutive US national titles.
You witnessed his historic Olympic redemption at the 2022 Beijing Games, where he delivered record-breaking performances to win gold after a disappointing short program at the 2018 Olympics.
Chen became the first skater to land five quadruple jumps in a single program.
His technical mastery raised the competitive standard for the entire discipline.
Karen Chen, a national champion in 2017, represented the United States at the 2018 and 2022 Olympic Games.
Her elegant skating style and strong technical foundation made her a consistent international competitor.
Emerging Talents: Ilia Malinin and Alysa Liu
Ilia Malinin stands as figure skating's most technically advanced competitor.
He became the first skater to land a quadruple Axel in competition in 2022. Malinin's arsenal includes multiple types of quadruple jumps that few competitors can match.
His performance at the 2025 World Championships demonstrated the depth of American men's skating heading into the 2026 Olympic season.
You'll recognize his skating for pushing technical boundaries while maintaining artistic presentation.
Alysa Liu made history as the youngest US national champion in 2019 at age 13.
She landed the triple Axel consistently in competition, showcasing technical abilities rare among American women skaters.
Liu represented a new generation of technically proficient athletes who elevated standards in women's figure skating during her competitive career.

Recent Developments and the Road to Milano Cortina 2026
The United States officially announced its 16-member figure skating team for the 2026 Winter Olympics following the conclusion of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis.
The roster includes three men’s singles skaters: Ilia Malinin, Andrew Torgashev, and Maxim Naumov, three women’s singles skaters: Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito, as well as three ice dance teams and two pairs teams selected to represent Team USA in Italy.
Highlights include Ilia Malinin, widely regarded as one of the sport’s top contenders, and Maxim Naumov, whose Olympic berth came amid an emotional season marked by the tragic loss of his parents in a plane crash last year.
Glenn, Liu, and Levito lead the women’s squad based on national performances, and the ice dance teams: Madison Chock/Evan Bates, Emilea Zingas/Vadym Kolesnik, and Christina Carreira/Anthony Ponomarenko, were also chosen after strong showings.
In pairs, Ellie Kim/Danny O’Shea and Emily Chan/Spencer Howe earned Olympic spots.
The selections reflect results from the U.S. Championships and broader performances over the past competitive season, with the figure skating events scheduled for Feb. 6–19, 2026 in Milan.
Here’s a clear bullet-point rundown of every athlete on the 2026 U.S. Olympic figure skating team heading to Milan-Cortina:
U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team - Winter Games 2026
Women’s Singles
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Amber Glenn - U.S. figure skating champion and Olympic team member.
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Alysa Liu - Reigning world champion and key contender on the women’s side.
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Isabeau Levito - Young standout with strong international results.
Men’s Singles
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Ilia Malinin - Top U.S. men’s skater and favorite for medals.
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Andrew Torgashev - Earned his first Olympic berth after strong performances.
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Maxim Naumov - Named to the team in an emotional selection nearly a year after his parents’ tragic deaths.
Ice Dance Teams
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Madison Chock & Evan Bates - Veteran duo headed to their fourth Olympics.
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Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik - Rising ice dance team with breakthrough
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Christina Carreira & Anthony Ponomarenko - Strong ice dance team earning Olympic selection.
Pairs
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Ellie Kim & Danny O’Shea - Qualified and set to compete in Milan-Cortina.
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Emily Chan & Spencer Howe - Named to the Olympic team after finishing strong at nationals.
Conclusion
The US figure skating team has demonstrated remarkable excellence throughout Olympic history.
You've witnessed athletes who have pushed boundaries and achieved historic milestones in one of the most demanding sports at the Winter Games.
The 2022 Beijing Olympics represented a particularly significant achievement for Team USA.
The figure skating team earned their first-ever gold medal in the team event, though you should note the medals were awarded in 2024 during the Paris Summer Olympics following Russia's disqualification for doping violations.
Key highlights of US figure skating Olympic performances include:
- Multiple individual gold medals across men's, women's, pairs, and ice dance categories
- Consistent podium finishes demonstrating depth of talent
- First team event gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Games
- Strong performances in ice dance, with American teams frequently medaling
Your understanding of US figure skating success extends beyond medal counts.
The athletes have contributed to the sport's evolution through technical innovation and artistic expression.
Each Olympic cycle brings new competitors who build upon the achievements of their predecessors.
The team's performances reflect years of dedication, training, and support from coaches, choreographers, and the broader figure skating community.
You can expect continued strong showings from US figure skaters in future Olympic competitions, including the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
The foundation established by past Olympians continues to inspire the next generation of American figure skating talent.

Frequently Asked Questions
The US figure skating team's Olympic journey includes recent medal ceremonies, competitive performances, and notable achievements across multiple Winter Games.
These questions address the team's top performers, medal outcomes, and scoring highlights from their latest Olympic appearances.
Who were the top performers for the US figure skating team in the most recent Olympics?
Madison Chock and Evan Bates stand out as top performers for Team USA in ice dance.
They have won multiple medals representing the United States on the world stage.
The duo specializes in ice dance, one of the most technically demanding disciplines in figure skating.
Their competitive experience spans several Olympic cycles, making them veteran athletes on the team.
Which US figure skaters won medals in the previous Olympic Games?
The US figure skating team won a gold medal in the team event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
You should know that this medal was awarded more than two years after the competition concluded.
The delay occurred due to a Russian doping controversy that resulted in the disqualification of Team Russia.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on the case, leading to the medal reallocation.
Nine members of the US figure skating team received their gold medals during a ceremony at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in August.
This marked an unusual moment where Winter Olympic medals were presented at a Summer Games.
How did the US figure skating team's performance in the last Olympics compare to previous years?
The team event gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics represents a significant achievement for US figure skating.
The team event format allows skaters across all disciplines to contribute points toward a collective medal.
Your understanding of the team's performance requires context about the delayed medal ceremony.
The original competition took place in February 2022, but the official recognition came in August 2024.
What were the standout routines from the US figure skating team in the last Olympics?
The team event format at the Beijing Olympics showcased performances across men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance.
Each discipline contributed to the overall team score that earned the gold medal.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates competed in the ice dance portion of the team event.
Their technical skills and artistic presentation helped secure crucial points for Team USA.
Have any US figure skaters set new records in the latest Olympic Games?
Specific record-breaking performances from the Beijing 2022 Olympics require detailed scoring data from individual events.
The team event gold medal itself represents a historic achievement due to the circumstances of its award.
You can track current and future records through official scoring systems maintained by the International Skating Union.
These systems document technical elements, program components, and total scores for each competition.
Which performances by US figure skaters received the highest technical scores in the last Olympics?
Technical scores in figure skating measure the difficulty and execution of jumps, spins, lifts, and other required elements.
The scoring system assigns base values to elements and adds or deducts points based on execution quality.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates demonstrated strong technical skating in their ice dance performances.
Ice dance technical scores focus on lifts, twizzles, and pattern work rather than the jumps seen in singles skating.
The team event format combines scores from multiple skaters across different disciplines.
You would need to examine individual event results to identify the highest technical scores within each category.


