MILAN, Italy – Ilia Malinin, the American figure skater dubbed the “Quad God,” made his Olympic debut at the , 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, but it wasn’t the flawless performance many anticipated. While showcasing his remarkable quad jumps, including a history-making backflip, Malinin finished second in the men’s short program, falling short of expectations against Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama.
Kagiyama’s victory marked a significant moment, stunning the heavily favored Malinin. The American skater, known for his groundbreaking quad jumps – he is the first skater to land a quadruple flip and a backflip in competition – appeared somewhat shaky, delivering a performance he himself described as only “50%.” This assessment, reported by Sportico.com, underscores the pressure and perhaps the nerves that accompanied his first Olympic experience.
Malinin’s program included the quad backflip, a jump never before attempted in Olympic competition. Landing it successfully was a historic achievement, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Kagiyama’s consistent and polished routine. The New York Times noted that while Malinin dazzled, questions remain about his invincibility, a narrative that had built significantly leading up to the Games.
The U.S. Team, despite Malinin’s individual result, currently holds the lead in the team figure skating event. This provides a crucial buffer and demonstrates the overall strength of the American contingent. However, Japan is close behind, and Kagiyama’s performance clearly signals their intent to challenge for the top spot. CBS News highlighted this dynamic, emphasizing the ongoing battle between the two nations.
The shaky performance in the team event, as reported by USA Today, raised some eyebrows. While the U.S. Maintains its lead, the margin is narrowing, and consistency will be key to securing the gold medal. Malinin’s performance in the team event was described as shaky, suggesting that the Olympic stage may be presenting a different set of challenges than he’s faced in previous competitions.
The Washington Post reported that Malinin acknowledged he didn’t deliver his best skate, hinting at the immense pressure of the Olympic debut. He landed the quad backflip, a feat that captivated the audience, but other elements of his program lacked the precision and confidence typically associated with his performances. This suggests that the mental aspect of the competition is proving to be a significant factor for the young American star.
Kagiyama’s win wasn’t simply a result of Malinin’s struggles. The Japanese skater delivered a clean and technically proficient performance, showcasing exceptional artistry and control. NBC Olympics reported that Kagiyama’s performance was a masterclass in figure skating, demonstrating the importance of consistency and precision at the highest level.
The competition is far from over. The men’s free skate will be a crucial test for both Malinin and Kagiyama. Malinin will need to regain his composure and deliver a flawless performance to contend for the individual gold medal. The U.S. Team will also rely on his strength to maintain their lead in the team event.
The narrative surrounding Malinin entering the Olympics was one of dominance. His ability to land multiple quad jumps, including the unprecedented backflip, had positioned him as the clear favorite. However, the results from the short program and team event serve as a reminder that the Olympics are a unique and unpredictable environment. The pressure, the scrutiny, and the sheer magnitude of the event can impact even the most seasoned athletes.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how Malinin responds to this early challenge. Can he overcome the nerves and deliver the performances that have made him a global sensation? Or will Kagiyama continue to capitalize on his consistency and artistry to claim the Olympic title? The answers will unfold in the coming days, promising a thrilling conclusion to the men’s figure skating competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The U.S. Team’s overall performance remains strong, but the competition is fierce. Japan is breathing down their necks, and other nations are also vying for a spot on the podium. The team event will likely come down to the wire, with every point and every performance carrying significant weight. The outcome will not only determine which nation claims the gold medal but also set the tone for the remainder of the figure skating competition.
