Ilia Malinin Dominates Olympic Figure Skating Short Program
The men’s singles figure skating event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games commenced with remarkable performances. The spotlight was on U.S. skater Ilia Malinin, who delivered an extraordinary routine. Malinin, skating near the end of the lineup, achieved an impressive score of 108.16, establishing himself as the top contender heading into the free skate.
Ilia Malinin’s Olympic Short Program Performance
Malinin, nicknamed the “Quad God,” maintained his undefeated streak since 2023. His program featured strong jumping sequences and smooth transitions, reflecting a measured approach rather than pressure to make history. This strategy was a shift from his previous performance in the team event, where he experienced some difficulties.
During the post-performance interview, Malinin expressed his desire to approach the short program with calmness. He stated, “I really just wanted to take it a little more slowly and just push the autopilot button to see what happens.” His short program, titled “The Lost Crown,” emphasizes themes of personal growth and perseverance.
Top Competitors of the Short Program
- Yuma Kagiyama: The Olympic silver medalist secured the second position with 103.07 points, showcasing a graceful performance despite a minor error on his triple Axel.
- Adam Siao Him Fa: Delivering a personal-best score of 102.55 points, Siao Him Fa impressed with his artistic flair and solid technical skills.
- Daniel Grassl: The six-time Italian champion earned fourth place with strong jumps in front of a home crowd, showcasing his commitment to the program “Tango per la Liberta.”
- Mikhail Shaidorov: Rounding out the top five, Shaidorov demonstrated a blend of jump precision and artistic expression to score 92.94 points.
Key Insights and Statistics from the Short Program
| Skater | Score | Position | Program Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilia Malinin | 108.16 | 1st | The Lost Crown |
| Yuma Kagiyama | 103.07 | 2nd | I Wish |
| Adam Siao Him Fa | 102.55 | 3rd | N/A |
| Daniel Grassl | N/A | 4th | Tango per la Liberta |
| Mikhail Shaidorov | 92.94 | 5th | Dune |
Ilia Malinin’s performance not only set a high standard for the competition but also reinforced his status as a top contender in Olympic figure skating. His focus on personal growth and performance quality will be crucial as he moves into the free skate segment of the competition.
