Ilia Malinin Shines in Olympic Debut, Securing Second Place

Ilia Malinin, a prominent figure skater, has made a remarkable Olympic debut, finishing second in the team event’s short program. The 21-year-old American secured a score of 98.00, placing behind Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, who earned 108.67. Canadian skater Stephen Gogolev rounded out the podium in third place, scoring 92.99.

Olympic Debut and Performance

Malinin’s performance took place on February 7 during the Milan Cortina Olympics. This event marks his first Olympic appearance, having narrowly missed qualification in 2022. Despite not achieving first place, Malinin showed impressive skill, executing a flawless routine that drew enthusiasm from the audience.

Key Highlights of Malinin’s Routine

• Malinin performed a backflip, a move reintroduced in 2024 after a nearly 50-year ban.
• The routine received no deductions from the judges, demonstrating his technical proficiency.
• Fans erupted in applause following the backflip, signaling a potential resurgence in the sport’s popularity.

Expectations and Future Competitions

As the reigning champion from the 2024 and 2025 World Championships, Malinin is favored to clinch gold in the individual event. However, he remains focused on pacing himself and managing the pressure that comes with being a frontrunner. “It’s a lot of pressure,” he acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the right mindset.

Technical Skills and Recognition

Nicknamed the “Quad God,” Malinin is celebrated for his ability to consistently land the difficult quadruple axel jump. In a single competition, he previously executed seven quad jumps at the 2025 Grand Prix Final. Brian Boitano, a figure skating legend and Olympic gold medalist, praised Malinin’s technical and artistic qualities, noting he raises the bar for the sport.

Team Event and Standings

The U.S. team currently leads the overall standings in the team event, just one point ahead of Japan. The competition concludes with the free dance, pairs, women’s, and men’s free skates scheduled for Sunday.

With strong performances and a focus on both technical execution and artistry, Ilia Malinin is poised to make a lasting impact at the Olympics and potentially further elevate the profile of figure skating.