Mikhail Shaidorov Triumphs as Ilia Malinin Takes 8th: NPR
Mikhail Shaidorov triumphed as the gold medal winner in men’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, while American skater Ilia Malinin suffered a surprising fall to 8th place. This competition took place in Milan, showcasing a dramatic twist in Olympic figure skating.
Mikhail Shaidorov’s Gold Medal Performance
The 21-year-old from Kazakhstan, Mikhail Shaidorov, delivered a stunning performance that secured him the gold medal. With a total score of 291.58 points, Shaidorov emerged as the victor among a strong field of competitors.
Ilia Malinin’s Unexpected Stumbles
Ilia Malinin, a favorite for the gold, entered the free skate event with a substantial five-point lead. The 21-year-old had not lost a major competition since 2023, making his 8th place finish unforeseen.
- Final score: 264.49 points
- Number of falls: 2 during his performance
Instead of executing his signature quadruple jumps, Malinin struggled and downgraded multiple elements, including switching from a intended quadruple axel to a single axel. This performance led to a significant drop in the standings.
Medal Standings
The podium for men’s figure skating included notable performances from Japanese athletes.
| Medal | Athlete | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Mikhail Shaidorov | Kazakhstan | 291.58 |
| Silver | Yuma Kagiyama | Japan | – |
| Bronze | Shun Sato | Japan | – |
Malinin’s experience at the event highlighted the pressures of competition. He expressed that overwhelming nerves played a significant role in his performance. “The moments of my life started flooding my head,” Malinin shared, reflecting on the challenges faced during the free skate.
Conclusion
This Olympic event was a remarkable showcase of talent and the intense pressure athletes face on this global stage. As Shaidorov celebrates his victory, Malinin will undoubtedly aim to bounce back in future competitions.
