Malinin spearheads U.S. skating squad for 2026 Olympics
World champion Ilia Malinin has been named the centerpiece of the U.S. figure skating team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, officials announced on January 11, with Maxim Naumov also selected after a breakthrough season. The choices reward consistency and recent results as the United States sets its sights on Olympic medals in Italy.
Malinin earned his spot following another dominant campaign highlighted by title wins and cutting-edge technical content. “This is the goal every season points toward,” Malinin said. “Now it’s about sharpening everything for Milano.”
Naumov called the selection a milestone. “I’ve worked for this opportunity for years,” he said. “Wearing U.S. colors at the Olympics means everything.”
A U.S. Figure Skating official added: “Performance under pressure decided these selections. The team has earned this chance.”With the roster taking shape, the Americans turn their focus to fine-tuning programs and peaking at the right time for Milano-Cortina 2026.