Milan, Italy — The U.S. figure skating team celebrated a thrilling moment as they clinched gold in the inaugural team event at the Winter Olympics. After two days of intense competition and performances from 11 different skaters, the outcome rested on the shoulders of one athlete: Ilia Malinin.

At just 21 years old, Malinin has already made a name for himself in the sport, having previously earned a world championship title. During the competition, he demonstrated remarkable skill, managing to recover from a stumble that momentarily startled the crowd and later executed a historic backflip—a feat that only he has achieved in Olympic competition.

As the competition reached its climax, anticipation filled the Milan Ice Skating Arena. The tension grew palpable as Japan’s final skater, Shun Sato, prepared to make his attempt. When Sato’s score was announced, it fell short of Malinin’s, allowing the U.S. team to exhale and celebrate their victory. The final tally stood at 69 points for the U.S., with Japan close behind at 68, while Italy secured the bronze with 60 points.

This win marks a pivotal moment for Malinin, who not only earned his first Olympic medal but also played a crucial role in the U.S. securing the team title for the second straight Olympics. Reflecting on the competition, he noted his changed mindset from the previous day’s events and expressed gratitude for his teammates’ unwavering support.

The team event combined points from four different disciplines over two days, and Malinin stood out in the men’s singles category. The U.S. team maintained consistent pairings throughout the competition, with Madison Chock and Evan Bates participating in both rhythm and free dances, while Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea competed in pairs skating across both days.

Amber Glenn also contributed to the effort, filling in for Alysa Liu in the women’s singles event. Despite facing challenges, including a third-place finish from Glenn that temporarily put the U.S. lead in jeopardy, the team rallied. They entered Sunday’s final discipline tied with Japan, setting the stage for a gripping conclusion.

Malinin’s entrance onto the ice radiated confidence, and although he experienced a shaky moment early in his routine, he rebounded spectacularly. With the crowd cheering, he upped the difficulty with a daring backflip and finished strong, garnering a score of 200.03 that placed him far ahead of the competition.

Japan’s Sato made a formidable attempt, closing with a score of 194.86 but ultimately falling short of Malinin. Reflecting on his experience, Sato remarked on the challenge of facing off against an athlete like Malinin, acknowledging both the pressure and the level of competition involved.

This event underscored the growing prominence of team competitions within figure skating, showcasing not only individual talent but also the collaborative effort of nation-based teams. As the U.S. team celebrated their victory, it was clear that the foundation laid by Malinin and his fellow skaters would resonate throughout the competition, marking a significant chapter in Olympic figure skating history.