2026 Winter Olympics: Brian Boitano & Christine Brennan on Team USA's Chances

Team USA's Figure Skating Stars

• 🥇 Ilia Malinin, dubbed the 'quad god,' is the prohibitive favorite for the men's gold medal, having set a new technical bar in the sport.
• ⛸️ On the women's side, Amber Glenn (three-time US champ), Alyssa Lou (defending world champ), and Isabel Levito (youngest of the three) are strong contenders, with the potential for a podium sweep.
• 🌟 Isabel Levito, at 18, is highlighted for her classic style and potential to be a Cinderella story, similar to Sarah Hughes in 2002.
• 💔 A significant focus is on the 20-year drought for a US woman winning an Olympic medal in figure skating, with the current skaters determined to end it.

Other Notable Winter Sports Athletes

• ⛷️ Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn are mentioned as huge names in skiing.
• 🏒 Women's hockey between the US and Canada is expected to be a gold medal game, as it has been historically.
• ⛸️ Ice dance is a strong suit for the US, with five consecutive Olympics seeing American medalists, notably seven-time national champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates aiming for individual gold.

Athlete Mindset and Competition Dynamics

• 🧠 Brian Boitano describes the immense pressure of the Olympics as layers of an onion, emphasizing that mental preparation is crucial, comprising 97% of an athlete's work.
• ✨ Alyssa Lou is highlighted for her comeback story, renewed passion, and light-hearted approach, focusing on having fun rather than solely on medals, which reduces pressure and enhances performance.
• 🤝 The camaraderie between Amber Glenn, Alyssa Lou, and Isabel Levito is noted as exceptional, with a story of Lou cheering for Glenn during US Nationals, showcasing sportsmanship.

2026 Winter Olympics Venues and Coverage

• 🏔️ The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, feature a unique setup with events spread across different locations, including Milan hosting hockey, speed skating, and figure skating.
• 🎙️ Christine Brennan and Brian Boitano host the 'Milan Magic' podcast and vodcast, offering in-depth coverage, interviews with legends and current skaters, and insights into the judging system and costumes.
• 📚 USA Today has released a children's book, 'Chasing Gold: A Kids Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics,' featuring athlete profiles, fun facts, crafts, and a bingo game for families.