Ilia Malinin Secures Gold, Boosting U.S. Figure Skating Medal Hopes
Ilia Malinin has solidified his status as a rising star in figure skating by securing a gold medal for the United States. At just 21 years old, Malinin has already made a name for himself as a world champion. His remarkable ability to perform unprecedented tricks set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the team event in Milan.
Thrilling Finale in Milan
The figure skating team event unfolded over two days, culminating in a nail-biting finale. The U.S. hopes rested on Malinin, who dazzled the audience with his backflip—his second in Olympic history—while also managing a last-minute recovery from a stumble that drew gasps from spectators. As Malinin waited for Japan’s last competitor, Shun Sato, tension filled the air.
Final Scores and Medal Standings
- United States: 69 points
- Japan: 68 points
- Italy: 60 points (Bronze medal)
When Sato’s score was announced, it confirmed that the U.S. team had clinched gold. This victory marked the first medal awarded in figure skating at these Games and demonstrated the U.S. team’s strength, as they had also won this event in the previous Olympics.
Team Performance Overview
The U.S. team utilized a consistent lineup throughout the competition. Key participants included:
- Madison Chock and Evan Bates in rhythm and free dance
- Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea in pairs skating
- Ilia Malinin in men’s singles
- Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn in women’s singles
While Liu competed on Saturday, Glenn took her turn on Sunday. Glenn expressed her concerns over her performance, feeling the pressures of the competition format. Her third-place finish impacted the U.S.’s standings leading into the final day.
Malinin’s Standout Performance
Despite the pressure, Malinin shone brightly on the ice. He showcased his athleticism and confidence, wearing a striking sparkly black top beneath his Team USA jacket. Although he faced some challenges, his technical skill ultimately earned him a score of 200.03, placing him firmly in first.
Japan’s Sato finished with a score of 194.86, just shy of Malinin’s benchmark. This impressive achievement not only highlights Malinin’s individual talent but also elevates the U.S. figure skating team’s prospects for future competitions. With this gold medal win, U.S. figure skating fans have much to celebrate and anticipate as the sport continues to evolve.
