Alysa Liu's short program, Madison Chock and Evan Bates' rhythm dance, Danny O'Shea and Ellie Kam's short program put the U.S. in first place.

Team USA comes into the 2026 Winter Olympics with a chance to medal in most of the figure skating events. The Americans have the clear-cut favorite in the men's event in Ilia Malinin. The pair of Madison Chock and Evan Bates are expected to claim gold in the ice dance.

In figure skating, it is customary to see mixed pairs flirting with the ice and performing technical figures with backhand blades. But next February, two world-renowned skaters will perform together, hand in hand, to bring a breath of fresh air to this ...