A figure skating duo from Colorado Springs has triumphantly claimed gold medals for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy after overcoming significant obstacles, including surgeries and injuries. Ellie Kam, 21, and her partner Danny O’Shea, 34, exhibited remarkable resilience to secure their victory in the pairs free skate event held on Sunday.
The skaters secured their positions among the 16 athletes representing the United States during a qualifying round in mid-January, where they demonstrated exceptional performances that earned them a spot in the prestigious Olympics. Now, back from the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, Kam and O’Shea shared their elation with CBS News.
Reflecting on their experience, O’Shea humorously remarked about the weight of their gold medals, indicating their desire to avoid unnecessary jumping around. Kam elaborated on the significance of her medal, describing it as a “heavy weight to carry” and sharing that she kept it safe under her pillow at night.
When asked to articulate the feeling of becoming Olympic champions, O’Shea responded, “I don’t think I could describe it,” laughter following his statement. This moment has been a long-held dream for both athletes, as they have dedicated years to reaching this pinnacle of success. Kam reminisced about experiencing a “magical moment” as everything fell into place perfectly on the ice, highlighting the energy, trust, and patience they cultivated during their performances.
In addition to their gold medals, Kam and O’Shea achieved personal bests, accumulating a total of 135.36 points after competing in the short program, free skating, and exhibition events. The duo, who began skating at the age of four, teamed up in 2022. Kam previously skated with Ian Meyh, while O’Shea partnered with Chelsea Liu and was also the 2016 U.S. champion alongside Tarah Kayne.
Their journey to Olympic glory had its share of challenges. O’Shea skated on a broken foot during a qualifying event, ultimately securing future Olympic opportunities for the team. Due to injuries sustained during training, his participation in the Olympics was initially uncertain, leading to subsequent surgeries and recovery. Similarly, Kam faced her own setbacks with a serious concussion, yet they both remained focused, eventually finding their groove to deliver standout performances at the Olympic level.
This inspiring story exemplifies the spirit of determination and teamwork that lies at the heart of the Olympic Games. With their gold medals in hand, Kam and O’Shea not only made history for themselves but also served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring athletes.