Ilia Malinin, hailing from the United States, leads the men’s figure skating short program qualification round at the Winter Olympics. With a score of 108.16, the 21-year-old performer, nicknamed the “Quad God,” showcased his skills to the tune of Dies Irae from the video game The Lost Crown, executing impressive moves including a quadruple flip, quadruple lutz, and a backflip.
Following closely behind is Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, the silver medalist from Beijing 2022, who holds the second position with a score of 103.07. Meanwhile, France’s Adam Siao Him Fa achieved a personal best score of 102.55 points, securing the third spot as they head into the final free programs on Friday.
This marks Malinin’s debut at the Olympics, where he clinched gold in the team event earlier at the Milano Skating Arena. Reflecting on his performance, Malinin mentioned getting overly excited during the team event short program, but for the individual event, he focused on staying relaxed and trusting his preparation, which paid off well.
Known for his exceptional quadruple jumps, Malinin holds the world record for the highest score in the free program, achieved during the International Skating Union Grand Prix Finals last December. Coached by his parents, former Olympic figure skaters Tatyana Malinina and Roman Skornyakov, Malinin continues to impress with his remarkable skills on the ice.
In a heartfelt moment, Maxim Naumov, Malinin’s teammate, dedicated his performance to his late parents, Olympic pairs figure skaters who tragically lost their lives in an aviation accident. Skating to Nocturne No. 20 by Frederic Chopin, Naumov’s emotional tribute resonated with spectators as he advanced to the final round.
Another standout performer, Canada’s Stephen Gogolev, delivered a captivating performance with a bank robber-themed routine, scoring 87.41 in his short program. Despite a minor mishap with his laces, Gogolev showcased resilience and determination, setting personal best scores and earning a spot in the men’s free program.
As the competition heats up, these talented skaters continue to captivate audiences with their skill, artistry, and dedication on the Olympic stage.
