After overcoming surgeries and concussion, Colorado figure skating duo to represent U.S. in 2026 Winter Olympics

A figure skating duo based in Colorado Springs has been selected to represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy next month.

Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea are among 16 athletes representing the U.S. in figure skating, the team announced on Sunday. The team was selected after the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis.

O'Shea had previously skated at a qualifying event on a broken foot, in which he secured the U.S. a historic, additional Olympic spot. Experts said it's an opportunity the team hasn't had in decades.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," O'Shea said in a statement.

Kam, 21, was born on Yokota Air Base in Japan, and O'Shea, 34, was born in Pontiac, Michigan, but both call Colorado Springs home now.

The two teamed up in 2022. Both began skating at 4 years old. Kam previously skated with Ian Meyh, and O'Shea previously skated with Chelsea Liu, as well as Tarah Kayne, with whom he was the 2016 U.S. champion and 2018 Four Continents champion.

In Friday's championship competition, the pair skated to a medley of songs, including "Sweet Dreams," "Eleanor Rigby," and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."

Despite their achievements, O'Shea was questionable for his return to skating in time for the Olympics due to an injury he sustained during training last year. He has since undergone surgery and recovered.

"We want to go out there and skate the way we know we can, but at the same time experience skating across those Olympic rings, looking at the crowd at the Olympics, experiencing having our families with us having achieved the dream of our 4-year-old selves," he said.

Kam also experienced what she described as "one of the worst concussions of my career," but said, "we found our groove and skated some of our best performances yet."

"Ellie's concussion required patience and trust, especially because recovery isn't always linear or visible," O'Shea said.

"Grateful beyond words for our family, coaches, and friends," Kam said. "Upwards and onwards. Remember: you can't serve and eat without chopping and cooking."

O'Shea said in a prepared statement that the two "relied heavily on our medical team, coaches, families, and on each other to make thoughtful decisions and keep moving forward."

"Progress often came in small but meaningful steps, a solid lift, a full run-through, or just showing up consistently and doing the work. We focused on what we could control each day and stayed committed to our partnership, even when the path felt uncertain."

"Being named to the U.S. Olympic Team makes this moment especially meaningful. It reflects the value of persistence, patience, and surrounding yourself with people you trust. We're grateful for everyone who supported us along the way, and proud of how we navigated this season together."