The men last won golds in 1988 and 1984 with Brian Boitano and Scott Hamilton, respectively, as champions. They haven’t won gold since. American pairs are rarely seen within a nine iron of the podium, and, until this year, no American ice dancers had won a medal of any kind since 1976.

But there’s something about women’s singles, just as there is about gymnastics in the summer games. It’s the one event that little girls will watch and melt into a little puddle, from which they emerge with a burning desire to be the next American Ice Princess or Tumbling Queen.

It’s a sport that requires big investments of time and money, which also plays into American hands.

Most of all, it’s the star power of the event. It’s an individual woman standing beautiful, graceful and strong on the world’s biggest stage, with a pressure-packed performance standing between her and untold fame and fortune. Win the women’s gold, and you are an icon for life.

Thursday, we’ll find out if an American can do it again. And regardless of how you feel about figure skating, you’ll probably be watching.

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