Friday’s men’s figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics held the promise of a memorable day for Ilia Malinin and his fans. However, the outcome differed significantly from expectations.
A Stunning Turn of Events
Entering the free skate portion of the competition, Malinin, widely considered the favorite for gold, held a lead of more than five points. This margin allowed for some errors and still a likely victory. But his performance proved unexpectedly challenging.
The 21-year-old skater fell multiple times during his routine and was unable to successfully land his signature quadruple axel, earning him the nickname “Quad God.” He instead performed a single axel. A planned quadruple loop was downgraded to a double and he as well fell on a quadruple lutz.
These errors resulted in a loss of upwards of 70 points, bringing his final score to 156.33 – significantly lower than the 200 points he could have achieved. He ultimately finished eighth, with Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan taking the gold.
Malinin expressed his disappointment, stating he felt ready but perhaps overconfident. He attributed his struggles to the pressure of the Olympic atmosphere, describing it as “crazy” and “really different.” When asked about his performance, he simply said, “I blew it.”
Team Success Amid Individual Setback
Despite his individual result, Malinin contributed to a significant achievement for Team USA. He helped secure the team’s second consecutive gold medal in the team event, where medals are awarded based on combined scores from the short and free programs.
What’s Next?
The remainder of the Olympic figure skating schedule includes the women’s single skating events. The women’s short program is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17th at 12:45 p.m. ET, followed by the free skate on Thursday, February 19th at 1 p.m. ET. The Exhibition Gala, a non-medal event, will conclude the competition on Saturday, February 21st at 2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. PT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ilia Malinin’s final score in the men’s free skate?
Ilia Malinin’s final score in the men’s free skate was 156.33.
Who won the gold medal in the men’s figure skating competition?
Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan won the gold medal in the men’s figure skating competition.
Did Ilia Malinin win any medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Ilia Malinin helped Team USA win the gold medal in the team event.
How much does the Olympic atmosphere affect an athlete’s performance?
