U.S. Figure Skating Team Prepares for Milano Cortina Olympics Amidst Russian Ban
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are approaching, and the U.S. figure skating team is gearing up for the competition, while the Russian team faces a ban due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The figure skating events are scheduled to begin on February 6, coinciding with the opening ceremonies, featuring the team event, a competition introduced at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Russia, traditionally a strong contender in figure skating, will be absent from the team roster. According to Time, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, citing violations of the Olympic Truce and the Olympic Charter. Consequently, both Russia and Belarus were sanctioned.
Despite Russia's absence, the U.S. team is poised to make a strong showing. Among the athletes representing the United States is Isabeau Levito, the youngest member of the team. Levito's Olympic aspirations date back to her toddler years. A video circulating shows her declaring, "I skate every day so then I can go to the Olympics... I can be the winner ever and the whole entire day! And I need to do it so much!" The Milano Cortina Olympics hold special significance for Levito as her mother, Chiara, is from Milan, making it a homecoming of sorts. "No one has to go to a hotel, no one has to travel," Levito said. "The only person who needs to make plans is my mom." Levito began skating at the age of 3, inspired by skaters she watched on television.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates, a U.S. ice dance couple known for their innovative and daring routines, are also preparing for the Games. Time reports that the Milano Cortina Olympics will be their first as a married couple. Chock and Bates are pushing boundaries with a matador-inspired routine for their free dance. "We love the creative process, and it’s fun for us to start diving into the music search, costume brainstorms, and program concept," Chock said. "We love reinventing ourselves each season and giving the audience something new."
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