Ilia Malinin, widely acclaimed as the “Quad God” of figure skating, delivered a stunning and dominant performance in the men’s short program at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This commanding skate not only secured him the top spot but also established him as the formidable frontrunner for individual Olympic gold. After navigating what he described as initial “Olympic pressure” and a “fog of doubt” during the team event, Malinin showcased unparalleled confidence and technical prowess. His meticulously executed routine earned him 108.16 points, placing him over five points ahead of his closest competitor, Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama. This masterclass signals a powerful return to his championship form and sets the stage for a thrilling free skate final.
A Flawless Return to Form on Olympic Ice
The atmosphere in Milan-Cortina was electric as Ilia Malinin stepped onto the ice for his third Olympic appearance. Bouncing back from two earlier, slightly tentative performances in the team event, the two-time reigning world champion performed with newfound power and conviction. Malinin attributed his success to a deliberate shift in his mental approach. He explained that he chose to “take things nice and calm, nice and slow, just relaxed and really just push the autopilot button and let it cruise.” This relaxed mindset was so crucial that he even skipped his customary warm-up to maximize his calm before the event. His program, set to Náttúra’s thundering rendition of “Dies Irae,” perfectly mirrored his powerful resurgence.
The Art of Aerial Mastery: Malinin’s Jumps Breakdown
Malinin’s short program was a testament to his exceptional jumping ability, featuring two “industrial strength” quadruple jumps that captivated judges and audience alike. His combination, a quad lutz immediately followed by a triple toe loop, was particularly breathtaking. Performed with remarkable height and pristine landing precision, this single element alone garnered over 22 points, earning an exceptionally high score for its execution. He also flawlessly executed a quad flip, which earned 14.77 points, well above its base value. These high-scoring technical elements solidified his leading position. Beyond the quads, Malinin wowed the crowd with innovative aerial tricks, including a daring backflip that sent the arena into a frenzy. His joyous scream mid-performance underscored his exhilaration and confidence.
The Resurgence of the Backflip in Figure Skating History
One of the most talked-about moments of Malinin’s routine was his audacious backflip. This spectacular move, a crowd favorite, carries a rich and controversial history in figure skating. Once banned for nearly 50 years by the International Skating Union (ISU) due to safety concerns and its deviation from the traditional one-foot landing principle, the backflip was re-legalized only in 2024. American Terry Kubicka was the first to land it at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics, prompting its immediate ban. Later, in an iconic act of defiance, France’s Surya Bonaly performed an illegal backflip at the 1998 Nagano Games, landing it on one blade, determined to leave her mark despite knowing it would incur a penalty.
With the ban lifted, Malinin became the first skater to legally perform a backflip at the Olympics during the team event. His second, in the short program, cemented his place in this historical narrative. Malinin, who has a background in gymnastics, believes the backflip helps to draw a broader audience to the sport. While it doesn’t contribute to a skater’s technical score, it significantly enhances the artistic score and boosts a skater’s confidence, adding an undeniable element of showmanship. French skater Adam Siao Him Fa was instrumental in its resurgence, performing it at the 2024 European and World Championships before the ban was officially reversed.
The Unseen Quad Axel Strategy: Prioritizing Health and Gold
Notably absent from Malinin’s program was the quad axel—figure skating’s hardest jump, requiring four and a half rotations, a feat only he has successfully landed in competition. Malinin’s decision to omit this signature element was entirely strategic. He explained that he wanted to be “totally confident” in his short program and avoid the pressure associated with attempting such a complex jump. “I always prioritize health and safety,” he stated, indicating that the quad axel is an element he reserves for when he is in the “right mind-set.”
His plan is to potentially include the quad axel in his free skate on Friday, where he truly embodies his “Quad God” moniker with multiple quadruple jumps. This strategic throttling back in earlier competitions and even foregoing the quad axel in the short program was part of a planned gradual buildup to the Olympics. After the team event, Malinin prioritized rest and relaxation, opting for a private practice session and ensuring his blades were freshly sharpened. He even chose sleep over an early rink arrival, arriving fresh and revived for his late skate (28th out of 29 competitors) to conserve energy. This disciplined approach underscores his focused pursuit of Olympic gold, acknowledging that even as a favorite, earning the medal requires “the skate of your life.”
Challengers and Standings: The Pursuit of Gold
While Malinin shone brightly, his competitors faced their own challenges. Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, the 2022 Olympic silver medalist, delivered a strong but not flawless routine, scoring 103.07 points and placing him second. Kagiyama, who had actually defeated Malinin in the team event short program, opened with a beautiful quad toe-triple toe combination but fumbled the landing of his triple axel, expressing frustration over the “small mistake.” France’s Adam Siao Him Fa secured third place with 102.55 points, a personal best.
| Rank | Skater | Country | Score |
| :— | :————– | :—— | :—– |
| 1 | Ilia Malinin | USA | 108.16 |
| 2 | Yuma Kagiyama | Japan | 103.07 |
| 3 | Adam Siao Him Fa | France | 102.55 |
| 4 | Daniel Grassl | Italy | 93.46 |
Beyond the Podium: American and International Stories
Beyond the top contenders, several other skaters delivered memorable performances. American Maxim Naumov, making his Olympic debut, scored a season-best 85.65 points. In an emotional tribute, he dedicated his performance to his parents, former Olympic pair skaters who tragically died in a plane crash in January 2025, holding up their photo in the kiss-and-cry area. Fellow American Andrew Torgashev, dubbed the “pizza king,” also achieved a season-best 88.94 points, impressing with a perfect quad toeloop and triple Axel, particularly significant as the short program is not his usual strong suit. Canada’s Stephen Gogolev, 21, placed 10th with 87.41 points despite a minor issue with loose laces, showcasing strong mental fortitude. Spain’s Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté captivated the crowd with his unique “Minion outfit” and music, though a fall on his first jump placed him 25th, just missing qualification for the finals.
Decoding the Scores: Technical vs. Program Components
Figure skating scores are meticulously broken down into two main components. The Technical Elements Score (TES) rewards specific elements like jumps, spins, and step sequences. Malinin’s incredible jumps contributed significantly to his TES. The Program Components Score (PCS) evaluates the overall artistic impression, including composition, presentation, and skating skills. Malinin’s confident, powerful performance, combined with the exciting backflip, undoubtedly boosted his PCS, reflecting his ability to blend athleticism with artistry.
Looking Ahead to the Free Skate
With a significant 5.09-point lead, Ilia Malinin is in an enviable position heading into the free skate on Friday. This is where he typically excels, holding the world record for the highest free skate score at an astonishing 238.24 points. While he stated, “I don’t want to get too ahead of myself and say that it’s guaranteed that I’m getting that gold medal,” he acknowledged the need to “put in that work for the long program.” For rivals like Kagiyama (personal best 208.94) and Siao Him Fa (personal best 207.17) to challenge Malinin for gold, they would need to deliver near-perfect, personal-best performances, combined with a messy outing from the “Quad God.” The stage is set for an epic conclusion to the men’s individual figure skating competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Ilia Malinin’s short program performance stand out at the Milan-Cortina Olympics?
Ilia Malinin’s short program stood out due to his exceptional technical prowess, including two high-scoring quadruple jumps (a quad lutz-triple toe combination and a quad flip), executed with remarkable height and precision. His strategic, calm mindset, a deliberate shift from earlier performances, enabled him to skate with newfound confidence. Additionally, his inclusion of a daring, legally landed backflip—a move with a controversial history in the sport—electrified the crowd and significantly enhanced his artistic impression, solidifying his lead.
Why did Ilia Malinin choose not to perform the quad axel in his Olympic short program?
Ilia Malinin strategically decided to omit the quad axel, figure skating’s most difficult jump and one only he has landed, from his short program to prioritize confidence and safety. He wanted to deliver a completely secure performance without the added pressure of attempting such a complex element. Malinin stated his focus was on “health and safety” and expressed hope that he would feel confident and in the “right mind-set” to include the quad axel in his upcoming free skate, which is his specialty.
What is the significance of the backflip in figure skating, and how has its status changed?
The backflip in figure skating is significant for its high level of showmanship and audience appeal, despite its controversial history. Once banned for nearly 50 years after Terry Kubicka performed it in 1976, due to safety concerns and its deviation from traditional landing rules, it became a symbol of defiance for skaters like Surya Bonaly. The International Skating Union (ISU) officially re-legalized the backflip in 2024, acknowledging its spectacular nature. While it doesn’t add to technical scores, it greatly boosts a skater’s program component score and can increase overall confidence, making Malinin’s legal Olympic backflips historic moments.
Conclusion
Ilia Malinin’s dominant performance in the men’s short program at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics was a masterful display of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. From his perfectly executed “industrial strength” quads to his historic backflip and his calm, deliberate approach, Malinin proved why he is considered the “Quad God.” With a significant lead going into the free skate, the stage is set for him to potentially claim his first individual Olympic gold. His journey so far underscores the blend of athleticism and artistry that defines figure skating, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the final chapter of this captivating Olympic story.
