Kagiyama Shines in Short Program, Japan Closes in on US in Olympic Skating
Ilia Malinin faces tough competition in his pursuit of Olympic figure skating gold. The first day of the men’s team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics saw Japanese skater Yuma Kagiyama excel in the short program, leaving the United States trailing by just one point.
Kagiyama Shines in Short Program
Competing in Milan, Italy, on February 7, 2026, Kagiyama showcased remarkable skill. He achieved a score of 108.67 points, outpacing Malinin, who scored 98.00. This performance earned Japan 33 points, putting them in second place behind the U.S. team, which accumulated 34 points.
Performance Breakdown
The standing after the first day was as follows:
- Japan: 33 points
- United States: 34 points
- Italy: 28 points
- Canada: 27 points
- Georgia: 25 points
Only the top five teams advanced to the next round. Canada narrowly qualified thanks to Stephen Gogolev’s personal-best score of 92.99. France, however, fell short as Kevin Aymoz could not match Gogolev’s score.
Malinin’s Struggles
Malinin, known for his ambitious quad axel jump, fell short of his own expectations. He intended to perform the challenging move but completed only a shaky triple jump. His routine included a quad flip and a quad lutz-triple toe loop combination, earning bonus points but still leaving him behind Kagiyama.
Looking Ahead
The competition continues with the free dance segment, where the American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates enter with confidence after winning the rhythm dance. Their performance secured 10 vital points for Team USA, enhancing their momentum.
As the Olympics progress, the intense rivalry between the United States and Japan continues to build, particularly highlighted by the successful performances of key skaters like Kaori Sakamoto and pairs champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara. Kagiyama’s brilliance in the short program sets an exciting stage for the upcoming men’s individual events.
Stay tuned for live updates and coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics at Filmogaz.com.
