Malinin Falls as Gogolev Secures Fifth in Men’s Figure Skating Finale
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Stephen Gogolev of Canada secured fifth place in the men’s figure skating finale, showcasing his exceptional talent. He scored an impressive 186.37 points in the free skate, finishing with a total of 273.78 points. Despite his strong performance, Gogolev narrowly missed out on a podium finish by just over a point.
Malinin’s Shocking Fall
The figure skating competition was overshadowed by a stunning upset involving Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God.” The American skater fell twice during his routine, coupled with other significant mistakes, resulting in a disappointing performance. Malinin’s struggles left the audience in shock, as they watched the star falter.
Medal Standings
With Malinin off the podium, the opportunity arose for Mikhail Shaidorov from Kazakhstan, who claimed his country’s first Olympic gold medal in figure skating. Shaidorov finished with a career-best score of 291.58 points. Meanwhile, Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama earned the silver medal, and compatriot Shun Sato took bronze.
- Gold: Mikhail Shaidorov (Kazakhstan) – 291.58 points
- Silver: Yuma Kagiyama (Japan) – 264.49 points
- Bronze: Shun Sato (Japan)
Malinin’s Reflections
Despite his disappointment, Malinin expressed confusion and frustration regarding his performance. He explained, “Honestly, I still haven’t been able to process what just happened. I felt really good beforehand but the pressure of the Olympics overwhelmed me.” His comments highlight the immense pressure competitors face at such high-stakes events.
Other Olympic Highlights
In other events, Canada’s men’s hockey team, featuring stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, achieved a decisive 5-1 victory over Switzerland. On the curling side, Brad Jacobs maintained his undefeated streak, moving to 3-0 with a win against Sweden.
Meanwhile, in women’s curling, Rachel Homan fell to American competitor Tabitha Peterson, losing 9-8 in a closely contested match. Additionally, veteran speedskater Ted-Jan Bloemen concluded his Olympic journey with a ninth-place finish in the men’s 10,000-meter race.
As the Games progress, the excitement continues to build at the Milan Cortina Olympics, where athletes strive for their moment of glory.
