Yuma Kagiyama Stuns Quad God Ilia Malinin; U.S. Leads Japan in Olympic Skating
Yuma Kagiyama showcased his exceptional talent in figure skating, landing impressive quad jumps at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano. His performance in the short program scored him 108.67 points, surpassing American skater Ilia Malinin, who scored 98.00 points.
Leading the Medals Race
Kagiyama’s achievement is crucial for Team Japan, keeping them competitive against the defending champion U.S. team, which ended the day with a total of 44 points. Japan trails by just five points as they head into the final competitions.
Ilia Malinin’s Performance
Ilia Malinin, the reigning world champion, expressed his determination to improve after his performance. Despite feeling surprised by his score, he remains focused on his potential moving forward. Malinin did not attempt the quad axel on this occasion, which he has previously executed successfully.
The Competitive Field
- Italy sits in third place with 37 points.
- Canada follows closely with 35 points.
- Georgia rounds out the top five with 32 points.
The competition remains fierce as teams prepare for the men’s, women’s, and pairs free skates, critical for the distribution of medals.
Highlights from the Free Skate
Madison Chock and Evan Bates from Team USA contributed significantly to their team’s score with a stunning performance in the free skate. Their score of 133.23 points from a flamenco-styled routine energized the audience and boosted the U.S. team’s morale.
Quotes and Reflections
Both skaters shared their thoughts on competition. Malinin remarked on the importance of cherishing the Olympic experience, while Kagiyama highlighted his admiration for Malinin’s skills, using it as motivation to elevate his own performance.
As the competition progresses, both teams are poised for a thrilling conclusion, with Team U.S. aiming to maintain their lead over Team Japan.
