The audacity to dream that big Olympic dream and to work, fight and persevere to achieve it is alive and well here in Milan.

“It’s what I’ve been working towards,” said U.S. skater Amber Glenn, a medal favourite in the women’s event, after practice in Milan. “Everyone’s like it’s this huge, huge thing and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’ve been planning on it.’ But I take a moment every once in a while and realise, ‘Wow, I’m here. I’m doing this. I never thought this was possible.’”

But it is possible – for Glenn, as well as Chock and Bates, already Olympic champions, having helped the U.S. team to gold at Beijing 2022.

“When you’re a kid and you have that dream, you don’t really realise how much it will take,” said Chock. “But it’s worth it. The Games are the reward – for all the work, all the years, the dedication and sacrifice. There’s not really a word for it. It’s just… fulfilling.”

Bates added: “It takes ambition to dream that big, and when you’re young, you don’t have the fear of failure. But as you grow, it takes bravery to keep chasing it. That’s when the Olympic creed really speaks loudest – it’s not just about medals, it’s about showing up and taking part. And making it here? That stays with you for life.”