Ilia Malinin Poised for Olympic Return This Final Weekend
Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” is set to make an appearance this weekend during the Winter Olympics. This comes after a challenging performance in the men’s singles competition where he finished in eighth place, marking his lowest score in nearly four years.
Emotional Performance at the Olympics
Malinin’s free skate began as a highly anticipated event. However, he experienced unexpected falls and other mistakes that left him with a final score of 264.49. This score reflects a significant disappointment for the 21-year-old athlete.
Upcoming Exhibition and Olympic Closing Ceremony
On Saturday, Malinin is expected to participate in a non-medal exhibition event. This exhibition is held before the Winter Olympics’ closing ceremony, typically featuring medalists and select competitors. His inclusion in this event is notable because it is rare for an eighth-place finisher to be invited.
Looking Ahead: World Championships
Following the Olympic exhibition, Malinin will travel to Prague next month. He aims to defend his title at the world figure skating championships, following back-to-back victories in previous years.
Other Notable Competitors
During the Olympics, Malinin was seen alongside other athletes, including Mexico’s Donovan Carrillo and Canada’s Piper Gilles. Team USA’s Emily Chan and Spencer Howe made their Olympic debut with a score of 70.06, while the duo of Ellie Kam and Daniel O’Shea finished with a score of 71.87.
- Olympic Performance: Finished 8th overall in men’s singles.
- Exhibition Date: Saturday, just before the closing ceremony.
- Score in Free Skate: 264.49, his lowest in four years.
- World Championships: Scheduled for next month in Prague.
