The winter Olympics in PyeongChang started February 9th. One of the most anticipated events of the Olympics is the ice skating. The Olympics Ice skating competition is separated into different categories. You have men’s ice skating, ladies skating, pair skating, ice dancing and the team event. The United States overall sent fourteen athletes to the figure skating competition. The athletes chosen for the team skate were Chris and Alexa Knierim, Bradie Tennell, Nathan Chen, Adam Rippon, Mirai Nagasu, Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani. The skating began with the team event, the United States team was strong, however the Canadians and Olympic Athletes from Russia were heavy favorites.

Nathan Chen was first up for the United States, having been undefeated all season he was expected to do extremely well. Unfortunately, he fell on some of his jumps and did not score as well as hoped. However, when the men’s free skate rolled around Adam Rippon brought down the house with his epic skate. He scored 172.98 points putting the United States back into medal contention.

Then it was the women’s turn. Bradie Tennell a newcomer was solid in her performance earning a score of 68.94. Then Mirai Nagasu competed in the lady’s free skate. She scored an incredible number of 137.53, she also became the first women to land a triple-axel in Olympic competition.

At this point in the team event the United States was battling for third with Italy. It was up to the pairs and ice dancers to secure a medal for the United States.

The next performers were Alexa and Chris Knierim in the pairs skating. This married couples crushed their routine and scored one of their best scores of the season. At this point in the team competition Canada was in first and Russia in second. With the United States having no way to catch them it was a battle for bronze between Italy and the United States.

The last two to skate were Maia and Alex Shibutani in the Ice Dance. Their short program scored a number of 75.46, the second highest score in the short dance program. Then in the free program they again consistently scored high. With the Italians falling behind the bronze for the United States was won.

Overall the standings were Canada in first with 73 points, The Olympic Athletes from Russia in second with 66 points and the United States taking the bronze with 62 points.