Meet some of the Team USA figure skating pairs competing in the 2026 Olympics

Meet two of Team USA's elite figure skating pairs heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. American pair figure skaters Spencer Howe and Emily Chan as they open up about the deep connection required for elite pair skating. In their 7th season together since 2019, the duo discusses how they've developed an intuitive understanding on the ice, where a glance or hand squeeze communicates everything they need. The conversation takes a poignant turn as they reflect on the tragic loss of beloved members of their skating club community. They share how the tragedy shifted their perspective on life and skating, motivating them to honor those they lost by giving their all on the ice. U.S. pair skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea share the story of their unlikely partnership and rapid rise in competitive figure skating. Despite a 14-year age difference, their connection formed naturally when O’Shea—who had briefly retired after more than a decade on Team USA—was asked to help with a pairs program. Within months, they were competing internationally and quickly established themselves as one of the country’s top teams. They describe their early challenges, emphasizing how their partnership evolved from two individuals skating side by side into a true, unified team. The duo credits their success to strong communication, mutual respect, and the supportive community in Colorado Springs, where they train. O’Shea, now 34, calls this journey a “second chance” at the Olympic dream, while Kam says pairs skating has reignited her love for the sport. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 0:10 - Spencer Howe and Emily Chan 8:20 - Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea