The 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics figure skating competition kicked off on Friday (February 6). Following the conclusion of three team events on the first day, the United States team is currently leading the standings.
Current world champion and American skater Alysa Liu made an appearance in the women’s short program of the team event. She scored 74.90 points with her performance to the song “Promise” by the Chinese-Icelandic singer Laufey, placing second in the segment and earning 9 points for the American team, bringing their total score to 25 points.
“This program holds a lot of personal significance for me, and I really immersed myself in it,” Liu said after the competition. “Our time on the ice is limited, so I strive to enjoy every moment.”
Japanese star Kaori Sakamoto delivered an impressive performance, scoring 78.80 points to win the short program and contribute 10 points to the Japanese team. Currently, Japan is in second place with 23 points, while the host team Italy sits in third place with 22 points.
In the rhythmic dance competition held first, the American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates continued their unbeaten streak this season. With their performance to a mix of Lenny Kravitz’s music, they scored 91.06 – the highest of the season – placing first and contributing 10 points to the American team.
Bates commented, “We skated really well and are very happy. As we finished the routine, I think we both felt the excitement of starting the Olympic journey.”
In the pairs’ short program, the American pair Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea skated steadily, but Kam stumbled during the triple loop jump, resulting in a deduction of 1 point. They ultimately scored 66.59 points, landing them in fifth place.
The Japanese pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara scored 82.84 points to claim first place in the pairs’ short program segment.