Ilia Malinin Misses Olympic Medal in Shocking U.S. Skating Upset
Ilia Malinin faced unexpected challenges during his Olympic debut, ultimately missing out on a medal. Known for his outstanding skills, the 21-year-old skater entered the competition with high expectations but stumbled throughout his performance.
Shocking Performance at the Olympics
Scheduled to perform as a strong contender, Malinin could not execute his signature quadruple axel jump. Instead, he made multiple errors, leading to a deduction of 72 points. Following his routine, he expressed disbelief at his own performance by stating, “I blew it.”
Final Placements
- First Place: Mikhail Shaidorov (Kazakhstan)
- Second Place: Yuma Kagiyama (Japan)
- Third Place: Shun Sato (Japan)
- Ilia Malinin: Eighth Place
Background and Expectations
Entering the Winter Olympics, Malinin had a history of success. He had won two consecutive World Championships, three Grand Prix finals, and three U.S. Championships. These achievements set him up as a favorite for the gold medal.
Malinin highlighted the pressure of competing at the Olympics in an interview. “The pressure of the Olympics, it’s really something different,” he explained. Prior to the event, he felt prepared but ultimately struggled to cope with the intensity of the moment.
Challenges Faced During Performance
Malinin’s routine was marked by mistakes, including:
- Attempting a single quadruple axel instead of the expected quadruple.
- Executing a double loop rather than a quadruple loop.
- Falling during his quadruple lutz attempt.
Reflecting on his experience, Malinin recalled the overwhelming emotions that flooded his mind just before his performance. Despite his training, the moment was challenging to navigate, and he noted the weight of being a “gold-medal hopeful.”
Conclusion
Ilia Malinin’s unexpected finish in eighth place marks a striking contrast to his previous victories. His debut at the Olympics serves as a reminder of the intense pressure athletes face on such a global stage. Moving forward, Malinin aims to process this experience and continue his journey in figure skating.
