US figure skaters have skate issue in Olympic podium mistake after winning gold

The American figure skaters no longer have the sharpest blades of the bunch.

After earning the gold in the team event on Sunday, Team USA had issues with their skates due to the medal ceremony, USA Today reported.

A source told the outlet that the skates were left with scratches and potential damages due to the podium not being covered in carpet or with another soft surface.

Additionally, the U.S. skaters did a group jump together on the podium.

Gold medalists of Team United States stand for the national anthem on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Team Event on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Getty Images

Team Japan, which won silver, and the bronze medalists, Team Italy, were also on the podium and could have suffered damage to their skates as well.

Skaters usually put on skate guards when off the ice to prevent any damage to their skates. The medalists all skated onto the ice for the medal ceremony, but no skate guards were given to them when stepping up on the podium.

It’s not known to what extent the skates have been damaged or who has experienced the most damage.

There isn’t necessarily time on the medalists’ side either.

Gold medalists of Team United States, Silver medalists of Team Japan and Bronze medalists of Team Italy pose for a photo on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Team Event. Getty Images

The rhythm dance event is set for Monday at 1:20 p.m. ET, and if some skaters need a new pair of skates, it’s going to have to be done in short order.

The process of changing skates typically needs to allow time for them to break in before they’re comfortable on the ice.