U.S. Pairs Team Delivers Stunning Olympic Performance

Kam and O'Shea earn personal best score with near-flawless skate

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The U.S. pairs team of Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea delivered a career-best performance at the Olympics, nailing difficult elements like throws and lifts to earn a personal best score of 135.36. Their flawless skate came at a crucial time for the U.S. team in the Olympic team competition, boosting their chances of a medal.

Why it matters

The U.S. pairs team's standout performance was especially meaningful in the context of the Olympic team competition, where each country fields skaters in multiple disciplines. After earlier stumbles, Kam and O'Shea's stellar skate helped keep the U.S. team in contention for a medal.

The details

Kam and O'Shea, who have been skating together for four years and train in Colorado Springs, opened with a beautiful triple twist. They followed it up with a clean side-by-side triple salchow-double axel combination. The most challenging elements - the throws - proved no problem, as they landed both a triple lutz throw and a throw triple loop cleanly under Olympic pressure. Their lifts also earned high praise from the commentators.

  • Kam and O'Shea delivered their career-best performance during the pairs segment of the Olympic team competition.

The players

Ellie Kam

A 21-year-old American pairs skater who teamed up with Danny O'Shea four years ago and trains in Colorado Springs.

Danny O'Shea

A 34-year-old American pairs skater who has been skating with Ellie Kam for four years and is known as one of the strongest lifters in the discipline.

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What they’re saying

“Beautiful start there with that triple twist.”

— Tara Lipinski, Former Olympian and commentator (NBC)

“Beautiful! This is their chance at an Olympic medal, and they're skating like they're hungry for gold.”

— Johnny Weir, Commentator (NBC)

“I haven't seen them skate this well in a long time. I have chills.”

— Tara Lipinski, Former Olympian and commentator (NBC)

“Forget about meeting expectations, they just exceeded them.”

— Terry Gannon, Commentator (NBC)

“I haven't seen them skate like that ever... they were unstoppable.”

— Tara Lipinski, Former Olympian and commentator (NBC)

What’s next

The final standings in the Olympic team competition are still pending, but Kam and O'Shea's standout performance has significantly boosted the U.S. team's chances of a medal.

The takeaway

Kam and O'Shea's career-best Olympic skate under immense pressure showcased their talent and resilience, delivering a moment that will be remembered as a highlight of the U.S. team's performance at the Games.