U.S. figure skating will take its most formidable team to Winter Olympics

Next month’s Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics just might be what American figure skating has longed for: a breakout moment that could reinvigorate interest in a sport that once captivated audiences following the infamous saga between Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. On Sunday, the sport’s national governing body selected perhaps its most formidable Olympic team in history. The team blends experience and exuberance, with four gold medal contenders among three disciplines. The United States’ collective strength makes it the prohibitive favorite for the team event, a relatively new competition entering its fourth Olympic cycle. Ilia Malinin, figure skating’s most natural jumper, will be expected...