MILAN, Italy — In a career defined by three decades of persistence and two reversed retirements, American pair skater Danny O’Shea has finally reached the pinnacle of his sport. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the 35-year-old veteran secured a gold medal in the team event, cementing his legacy as one of the most resilient figures in U.S. figure skating history.
O’Shea, who celebrated his 35th birthday on February 13, 2026, during the Games, made history as the oldest U.S. Olympic pairs skater since 1932. He is also the oldest figure skater from any nation to make an Olympic debut since 1948. Alongside partner Ellie Kam, O’Shea delivered a career-best performance in the free skate to help Team USA edge out Japan for the gold medal by a single point.
A 30-Year Journey to the Podium
Born in Pontiac, Michigan, and training out of Colorado Springs, O’Shea’s path to Olympic gold was anything but linear. After starting skating at age 4, he spent years climbing the national ranks, notably winning the 2016 U.S. Championship and the 2018 Four Continents title with former partner Tarah Kayne. However, the Olympic stage remained elusive for years, leading O’Shea to retire from the sport twice before returning to find a new partnership with Ellie Kam in 2022.
The duo’s road to Milan was marred by physical setbacks, including O’Shea’s recovery from a broken foot and various surgeries. “It’s that moment of, like, I did that,” O’Shea said in a recent interview, reflecting on the moment he received his gold medal. “These Olympics were 30 years in the making.”
Olympic Performance and Results
While the pair faced challenges in the individual pairs event—sitting in seventh place after the short program and experiencing a difficult long program on February 15—their contribution to the team event was decisive. Their personal-best score in the team free skate provided the essential points needed for the United States to secure the top spot on the podium.
Off the ice, O’Shea maintains a career in real estate, a testament to the “adult skater” lifestyle he has embraced while competing against athletes nearly half his age. His partner, Ellie Kam, noted that their partnership succeeded because of their shared “gritty resolve” and ability to navigate an injury-disrupted season.
Key Career Achievements
- 2026 Olympic Gold Medalist: Team Event (Milano Cortina)
- 2018 Four Continents Champion: With Tarah Kayne
- 2016 U.S. National Champion: With Tarah Kayne
- Historic Milestone: Oldest U.S. Olympic pairs debutant in 94 years
As the 2026 Winter Games continue, O’Shea’s story has become a beacon of inspiration for veteran athletes worldwide. His journey proves that age and previous retirements are no barrier to achieving a lifelong dream on the world’s biggest stage.