Even the “Quad God” can bleed. Ilia Malinin, the American figure skating phenom, delivered a surprisingly mortal performance in the men’s short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics team event, finishing second to Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama. Is this a sign that the pressure of the Olympics is getting to Malinin, or can he rebound and lead Team USA to gold?
Key Takeaways
- Ilia Malinin, nicknamed “Quad God,” finished second in the men’s short program with a score of 98.00, more than 10 points behind Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama (108.67).
- Despite Malinin’s performance, Team USA leads the team event with 44 points, followed by Japan (39) and Italy (37) with three events remaining.
- Madison Chock and Evan Bates dominated the ice dance free skate, earning a score of 133.23.
- Malinin hasn’t lost a competition since November 2023 and is the two-time reigning world champion and four-time reigning national champion.
Can Malinin Overcome Olympic Pressure?
Ilia Malinin entered the Milan Cortina Olympics as a heavy favorite, riding a two-year winning streak and boasting the nickname “Quad God” for his mastery of quadruple jumps. But the Olympic stage is different, and even the most seasoned athletes can feel the pressure. Malinin’s short program was uncharacteristically shaky, with an under-rotated quad lutz and a missed quad axel attempt. “Being here, I try to enjoy every single moment and be grateful for everything,” Malinin said, acknowledging the unexpected challenges that the Olympics can present. “Because there’s a lot of unexpected things that can happen in life and I’m taking everything to heart.”
Despite the missteps, Malinin managed to include a backflip in his program, a move that elicited a huge reaction from the crowd. This helped him salvage some points and maintain a respectable score. The question now is whether Malinin can shake off the nerves and deliver a dominant performance in the individual event. “Malinin has the talent to bounce back,” said former Olympic figure skater Tara Lipinski on NBC’s Olympic broadcast. “He just needs to trust his training and remember why he’s the ‘Quad God’.” The pressure is on, but Malinin has proven time and again that he can rise to the occasion.
Team USA’s Path to Gold
While Malinin’s performance wasn’t perfect, Team USA still holds the lead in the team event, thanks in large part to the stellar performance of ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates. The veteran duo, competing in their combined ninth Olympic Games, delivered a captivating free dance that earned them a score of 133.23, placing them atop the ice dance standings. Their performance showcased their experience and artistry, providing a much-needed boost for Team USA.
With three events remaining – the pairs, women’s and men’s free skates – Team USA’s path to gold is still within reach. However, they will need strong performances from all their skaters to hold off Japan and Italy, who are close behind. “The team event is a marathon, not a sprint,” said analyst Scott Hamilton on Peacock. “One bad skate doesn’t define the whole competition. Team USA has the depth and talent to bring home the gold.” The team will need to rally around Malinin and support him as he prepares for the individual event, while also delivering their best performances in their own disciplines.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Ilia Malinin – USA, Age 21, 2024 & 2025 World Champion, 4-time National Champion. Finished 2nd in the Men’s Short Program at the 2026 Winter Olympics team event with a score of 98.00. Known as the “Quad God.”
- Madison Chock & Evan Bates – USA, Ice Dancers, veterans of a combined 9 Olympic Games. Scored 133.23 in the Ice Dance Free Skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics team event.
- Yuma Kagiyama – Japan, Figure Skater. Finished 1st in the Men’s Short Program at the 2026 Winter Olympics team event with a score of 108.67.
- Team USA – Leading the team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics with 44 points, followed by Japan (39) and Italy (37).
What This Means
- For Team USA fans: While Malinin’s performance was a setback, Team USA still has a strong chance of winning gold in the team event. They need consistent performances from all their skaters and for Malinin to rebound in the individual competition.
- For figure skating analysts: Malinin’s struggles highlight the immense pressure of the Olympics, even for seasoned champions. His ability to overcome this pressure will be a key storyline to watch in the individual event.
- For Malinin: He needs to refocus and trust his training. A strong performance in the individual event will not only help Team USA but also solidify his status as one of the world’s top figure skaters.
- For fantasy figure skating: Malinin’s value may have dipped slightly after the short program, but he remains a top pick for the individual event. His potential for high scores from quadruple jumps makes him a valuable asset.
- For the Olympic team event: The competition remains tight, with Japan and Italy close behind Team USA. Every skate counts, and the final three events will be crucial in determining the medal winners.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
Disclosure: Trending Society provides sports analysis for entertainment purposes. Not betting or fantasy advice.
