Winter Olympics 2026: USA and Japan sit one and two after first day of figure skating team event as Alysa Liu and Sakamoto Kaori show off peak form
The excitement is palpable as the figure skating team competition unfolds at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Emerging out of the first day, the United States and Japan have established a fierce competition, sitting in first and second place, respectively. Only two points separate these powerhouses, setting the stage for a thrilling second day.
In a dazzling display, Sakamoto Kaori, vying for her final Olympic appearance, provided a spectacular performance with a short program that garnered an impressive score of 78.88. Sakamoto, who previously clinched silver in the Beijing 2022 team event, navigated the ice with grace, aside from a minor error on her opening triple Lutz, showcasing flawless spins and footwork that rocketed her team up the rankings.
Defending world champion Alysa Liu of the USA also turned in a commendable performance, feverishly battling for the top spot with her score of 74.90. Despite an under-rotation in her challenging triple Lutz-triple loop combo, Liu maintains her role as a key contender.
Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann cheered on home ice, achieving her personal best of 71.62, which marked a first-time break of the 70-point barrier in her career. Her third-place finish in the segment showcases the rising talent within the sport.
Teams face unique challenges; for instance, Canada’s Madeline Schizas had to restart her program due to playback issues. Strengthened by the support of the Team Canada contingent and enthusiastic crowd, she delivered a commendable result, scoring 64.97.
As we look ahead, one segment remains in the qualification phase, with the men’s singles skaters ready to compete. The stakes are high as they aim to finalize team rankings, with the top five of ten advancing to the highly anticipated final showdown.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Winter Olympics 2026 continues to deliver exhilarating figure skating moments!
