Canada’s Gogolev Ranks 10th in Men’s Short Program at Milan Cortina Olympics
Stephen Gogolev, a talented figure skater from Canada, has ranked 10th in the men’s short program at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games. He achieved a score of 87.41 points while performing to “Mugzy’s Move” by Royal Crown Revue. This program, which he has executed throughout the season, features a character inspired by a 1920s Prohibition-era gangster.
Performance Highlights
Gogolev’s performance captivated the audience at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. He began with an impressive quad toe loop-triple toe loop combination. His coach, Benoît Richaud, designed the program two years ago, emphasizing the need for Gogolev to adopt a defined character. Richaud explained that the goal was to enhance Gogolev’s expression and connection with the music.
- Gogolev faced a setback with an over-rotation during his triple axel, which led to a second foot landing.
- A loose boot lace sparked concern, but Gogolev managed to maintain focus throughout his routine.
- The lively crowd responded enthusiastically, particularly during moments of character expression, such as when Gogolev mimicked dodging police.
Competitive Landscape
Leading the short program is Ilia Malinin from the United States, known as the “Quad God.” He scored 108.16 points and has the distinction of being the only skater to have successfully landed a quad axel in competition. Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama and France’s Adam Siao Him Fa followed, scoring 103.07 and 102.55 points, respectively. The Italian skater Daniel Grassl secured fourth place with a score of 93.46.
Gogolev’s Olympic Journey
This Olympic season marks a significant resurgence for Gogolev, who has faced various injuries over the years. In the team event, he impressed by scoring a personal-best of 92.99 in his Olympic debut. A former child prodigy, he faced challenges during a growth spurt that affected his coordination and led to injuries.
After taking a break from skating to recover from back problems, Gogolev is having a breakthrough year. He returned to competitive skating, winning a gold medal at the Challenger series and securing his first Canadian title.
Emotional Moments at the Games
The short program was also marked by heartfelt performances. Maxim Naumov, an American skater, dedicated his routine to his late parents, showcasing a touching connection to his past. Spain’s Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate brought a lighter moment with a ‘Minions’ themed performance, despite the initial confusion surrounding music rights.
The men’s free program will occur on Friday, determining the final medal standings for the skaters. Gogolev’s journey reflects perseverance and dedication, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games.
