(Il testo seguente è tratto integralmente dalla nota stampa inviata all’Agenzia Opinione) –
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**FIGURE SKATING SHINES AT MILANO ICE SKATING ARENA WITH ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE AND STRONG PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT**
**Gold for the USA, silver for Japan and a historic bronze for Italy awarded yesterday in the team event: an evening filled with emotion and immense pride for the Azzurri.**
Milan, 9 February 2026 – Figure Skating lights up the Milano Ice Skating Arena with a vibrant series of competitions that combine sporting excellence with an outstanding atmosphere in the stands. From the first performances to the final applause, the venue is filled with energy, as spectators enthusiastically support the athletes.
The competitions showcase high-level performances across events, confirming Milano Ice Skating Arena as a key stage for ice skating events during the Olympic Winter Games of Milano Cortina 2026. Attendance has been strong since the start of the competitions, with around 6,000 spectators visiting the Arena. Yesterday evening, the public response was particularly striking, with packed stands, sustained applause, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding the Games.
Guiding the audience through the event was Valentina Marchei, former Italian figure skater with an outstanding international career and now a familiar face of Milano Cortina 2026. Drawing on years of experience at the highest level of competition, including on the Olympic stage, she brought insight, credibility, and deep emotion to her role as host. “It feels amazing to be back in my world and to be part of history,” she said, reflecting on a night that marked a long-awaited milestone for Italian figure skating. Celebrating a historic team bronze medal on home ice, Valentina Marchei highlighted the significance of the moment: “We were looking for this medal for 12 years… to win it here, in Italy, was just perfect.”
She also emphasized the role of the crowd, describing an arena filled with energy and connection. “You could feel the atmosphere; it helped the athletes perform at their best”. Moved by the moment, Marchei did not hide her emotions, admitting, “I cried of happiness… it was really special. This is the magic of the Games.” Her presence created a powerful bridge between sport and storytelling, enhancing the bond between athletes and spectators and contributing to an unforgettable night.
The evening concluded with the medal ceremony for the Figure Skating Team Event, where the United States claimed the gold medal, Japan secured silver, and Italy earned a bronze medal. Adding to the night’s memorable moments, Ilia Malinin became the first Olympic skater in 50 years to legally complete a backflip in competition. The success of these competitions confirmed not only the quality of the sporting programme, but also the strong enthusiasm of the public throughout the evening.
Special mention goes to the Italian team — Daniel Grassl, Matteo Rizzo, Lara Naki Gutmann, Charlène Guignard, Marco Fabbri, Sara Conti and Niccolò Macii — whose outstanding performances earned Italy a historic bronze medal on home ice.
Looking ahead, the Rhythmic Dance event promises to be one of the highlights of the figure skating programme, delivering unforgettable spectacle, combining precision, creativity, and emotion: an Olympic experience not to be missed. Tickets are still available for those wishing to be part of what promises to be one of the most spectacular moments of the Games.
