Olympics 2026: Meet the Team USA Athletes Going for Gold in the Milan Cortina Winter Games
Members of the U.S. Figure Skating team are going for the gold—in prioritizing their physical health.
Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates and Amber Glenn skipped the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6, opting to focus on their rest and recovery instead, U.S. Figure Skating confirmed to People.
“We’ll maybe have our own little Olympic small celebration,” Evan said, according to USA Todayadding how the group will “take some team photos” to mark the occasion.
Evan, 36, competed with Madison, 33, earlier in the day and placed first in the rhythm dance event qualifiers. The duo is scheduled to skate again on Feb. 7 in the afternoon—less than 24 hours after the Opening Ceremony—in the free dance segment of the team competition.
As for Ilia, 21, he is scheduled to compete on Feb. 7 in the men’s short program, while Amber, 26, will likely perform the team event’s free skate on Feb. 8.
