MILAN — U.S. Figure Skating has selected its lineup for the first day of the team event at the2026 Winter Olympics.
Team event starts Friday, Feb. 6, with rhythm dance, pairs short program and women's short program.
The biggest decision was the women's short program, withAlysa Liugetting the selection in what felt like a toss-up between the reigning world champion and 2026 U.S. national championAmber Glenn. Liu's short program to Laufey's "Promise" is a strong performance, but it could have gone to Glenn with her "Like a Prayer" by Madonna routine. Now, Glenn could be set up to be in the free skate portion of the team event, which is Sunday, Feb. 8.
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As expected, the decorated ice dance team ofMadison ChockandEvan Bateswill do the rhythm dance. The three-time reigning world champions have dominated the this season with a first place finish in every event, and they were part of the 2022 Olympic gold medal-winning team. Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea got the nod for the pairs short program, an expected decision as they are the 2024 U.S. champions and finished second at the 2026 nationals.
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Team USA is looking to repeat as gold medalists in the team event. The Americans bronze in 2014 and 2018.
The selection for the men's short program will likely be announced on Friday, Feb. 6, withIlia Malinin expected to handle the event.
Olympic figure skating schedule
The figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics begins on Friday, Feb. 6 at 3:55 a.m. ET. Here is a full breakdown of the schedule from the Milano Ice Skating Arena.
Team event, rhythm dance: 3:55 a.m. ET
Team event, pairs' short program: 5:35 a.m. ET
Team event, women's short program: 7:35 a.m. ET
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:US figure skating announces Olympics team event lineup for Day 1