U.S. figure skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea helped Team USA secure the gold medal [1] in the figure-skating team event in February 2026.
The performance marked a significant achievement for the pair, who balanced a team-wide victory with their own individual pursuit of excellence on the global stage.
Competing in Milano-Cortina, Italy, Kam and O’Shea performed a free-skate medley featuring the songs "Sweet Dreams," "Eleanor Rigby," and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" [1]. The artistic choice was a realization of a long-held ambition for the duo. "It's everything we've dreamed of since we were both like four years old..." Kam and O’Shea said [2].
While the pair contributed to the team's overall gold medal [1], their individual standing in the pair-skating competition was ninth [1]. Despite the mixed results in the individual event, the duo received a significant welcome home in Colorado following the games [4].
Following the Olympics, the pair faced challenges regarding their competition schedule. They missed the World Figure Skating Championships, which took place from March 25-28, 2026 [2]. Kam addressed the absence through a statement, noting that the team had been dealing with an injury. She said that after a lot of conversation, they both agreed that prioritizing health was the necessary step [2].
Kam later confirmed that the recovery process had progressed. "We're back to normal training..." Kam said [4]. The pair has since transitioned toward professional exhibition appearances, including the Stars on Ice tour, where tickets have been priced between $30.25 and $103.25 [5].
“"It's everything we've dreamed of since we were both like four years old..."”
The contrast between Kam and O’Shea's ninth-place individual finish and their team gold medal highlights the strategic importance of the team event in Olympic figure skating. By prioritizing health over the 2026 World Championships, the pair is managing the physical toll of elite competition to extend their professional careers into touring productions.
