Stephen Gogolev Ranks 10th in Milan Cortina Olympics Men’s Short Program
Stephen Gogolev had an impressive performance at the Milan Cortina Olympics, securing the 10th position in the men’s short program. He scored a total of 87.41 points while performing to “Mugzy’s Move” by Royal Crown Revue. This routine has been a staple in his repertoire throughout the season.
Gogolev’s Performance Highlights
The Canadian figure skater wowed the judges with his creative routine, which features a character reminiscent of a 1920s Prohibition-era gangster. His portrayal includes a playful interpretation of loading a gun and a thrilling escape from imaginary police.
- Score: 87.41 points
- Program Music: “Mugzy’s Move” by Royal Crown Revue
- Character Theme: Prohibition-era gangster
His coach, Benoît Richaud, developed this character-driven program to enhance Gogolev’s emotional expression and musical interpretation. Richaud described the approach as creating a script-like guideline to help Gogolev connect with his routine more authentically.
Challenges During the Routine
Despite demonstrating skill and artistry, Gogolev faced some challenges. He had an over-rotation on his triple axel, which caused him to need a second foot down for balance. Additionally, one of his boot laces came loose during his performance. However, he managed to maintain focus and avoid any major disruptions.
Men’s Short Program Results
Leading the competition was two-time reigning world champion Ilia Malinin from the United States, who scored an impressive 108.16 points. His clean skate put him in first place. Following him were:
- Yuma Kagiyama (Japan): 103.07 points, second place
- Adam Siao Him Fa (France): 102.55 points, third place
- Daniel Grassl (Italy): 93.46 points, fourth place
Gogolev’s Journey to the Olympics
Gogolev’s journey to the Olympics has been one of perseverance. He faced significant setbacks due to injuries that affected his coordination. After a growth spurt that increased his height from five to six feet, he dealt with recurring back issues, causing him to step away from the ice.
After a long recovery period, Gogolev returned to competitive skating with renewed determination, winning a gold medal at a Challenger series event and claiming his first Canadian title. This marks a remarkable comeback for the now 21-year-old skater from Toronto.
Upcoming Free Skate
The men’s free program is scheduled for Friday, where Gogolev will have another chance to shine and potentially improve his standings. This Olympic performance has solidified his reputation as a promising talent in figure skating.
For more updates on the Milan Cortina Olympics and Stephen Gogolev’s journey, visit Filmogaz.com.