Ilia Malinin Dominates Men’s Short Program with Astonishing Jumps
Ilia Malinin impressed the audience at the Milan-Cortina Games with a remarkable performance in the men’s short program. After grappling with nerves in previous events, he reclaimed his confidence to achieve a winning score.
Malinin’s Spectacular Short Program Performance
On Tuesday, Malinin executed a flawless routine, finishing first with 108.16 points. His score surpassed that of Yuma Kagiyama from Japan, who finished second with 103.07 points, and Adam Siao Him Fa from France, who took third place with 102.55 points.
- Ilia Malinin: 108.16 points
- Yuma Kagiyama: 103.07 points
- Adam Siao Him Fa: 102.55 points
Exciting Elements of the Routine
Malinin’s performance featured high-flying jumps and creative aerial maneuvers, including a dazzling backflip. He executed two quadruple jumps, including a quad lutz and triple toe combination, which earned him over 22 points for its execution. His performance captivated the crowd, who responded with enthusiasm.
Kagiyama’s Performance Review
Kagiyama, the 2022 Olympic silver medalist, had a less polished routine this time. His opening combination included a quad toe and triple toe, but a stumble on his triple axel left him frustrated with his performance.
Preparation and Strategy
Malinin attributed his success to a calm approach, using a “push the autopilot button” strategy to ease his nerves. He opted to skip the typical warm-up to allow himself more time to relax before the event.
Although his routine did not include the notoriously difficult quad axel—an element only he can perform—Malinin expressed a desire to attempt it in the upcoming free skate. “I will have to put in that work for the long program,” he stated, emphasizing his focus on health and safety.
Upcoming Competitions
Malinin looks ahead to the free skate scheduled for Friday, where he hopes to capitalize on this momentum. As a two-time world champion, he remains focused on delivering another high-caliber performance.
