Ilia Malinin’s Two-Year Winning Streak Ends in Thrilling Skating Final
Ilia Malinin’s impressive winning streak in figure skating has come to an unexpected end during a dramatic finals event. The American skater, known for his exceptional skills and confidence, encountered multiple errors that led to a disappointing eighth-place finish. In a remarkable turn of events, Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov emerged victorious, stunning the audience and securing the country’s first Olympic gold in figure skating.
Malinin’s Ambitious Performance
Ilia Malinin, often referred to as the “Quad God,” aimed to achieve history during his free skate routine. He sought to land seven quadruple jumps, including the notoriously difficult quad axel. High expectations surrounded Malinin, particularly given his reputation for performing flawlessly in previous competitions.
Dramatic Fall from Grace
- Malinin started strong by landing a quad flip.
- He stumbled on the axel, only completing a single rotation.
- Further mistakes included stepping out of the lutz and crashing on the salchow.
As the Assago Forum held its breath, Malinin’s execution faltered. The once-promising routine descended into chaos, leaving him in disbelief and the audience stunned.
Shaidorov’s Stunning Upset
Mikhail Shaidorov, initially seen as a long shot at the event, capitalized on Malinin’s mistakes. The 21-year-old skater produced a flawless routine with five quadruple jumps. This performance catapulted him from fifth place after the short program to the gold medal position.
The Final Rankings
| Medal | Skater | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Mikhail Shaidorov | Kazakhstan |
| Silver | Yuma Kagiyama | Japan |
| Bronze | Shun Sato | Japan |
| 8th Place | Ilia Malinin | USA |
After the event, Malinin expressed his shock. He acknowledged the intense pressure and his overconfidence, stating, “I just blew it,” highlighting his disappointment after intense training throughout the season.
Looking Ahead
Malinin’s journey in figure skating remains promising despite this setback. As he reflects on this experience, he aims to build resilience and ensure that such a performance does not recur in future competitions. The unexpected outcome serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of Olympic figure skating, where moments of brilliance can quickly turn to disappointment.
As the figure skating community looks ahead, all eyes will now turn to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, where skaters will have another chance to showcase their skills on the grand stage.
