Petr Gumennik has clinched a significant lead in the short program at the 2025 ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier, a pivotal event for those vying for the final spots in men’s singles at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. As one of the early competitors, Gumennik showcased a breathtaking routine filled with technical prowess, including an impressive quad flip-triple toe loop combination and an immaculate quad Salchow.
With flute-driven music from the thriller “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” setting the tone, Gumennik dazzled the audience with his level four spins and electrifying step sequences. His final score of 93.80 points secured him an 8.83-point advantage over his close competitors.
Among them is Mexico’s Donovan Carrillo, who mounted a spirited comeback late in the program, exiting the ice with an unforgettable performance that earned him 84.97 points. Opening with a quad Salchow-triple toe loop, Carrillo captivated both the judges and fans alike.
“I had one of my greatest performances,” he declared. “I was just flowing and enjoying every single moment.” His passion resonated throughout the arena, ending in an emotional salute to the ice surface.
In third place is France’s François Pitot, where he managed a solid performance to position himself ace for Sunday’s free skate. Republic of Korea’s Kim Hyungyeom follows closely in fourth, scoring 74.69 points despite battling pre-performance nerves. Kim deployed a clean quad toe loop but expressed uncertainty over his skating experience amid anxiety regarding the competition.
Rounding out the top five is Monaco’s Davide Lewton Brain with a score of 73.56. An intelligent tactic to scale back on a triple Axel proved fruitful, with Lewton Brain executing his routine seamlessly.
As the event unfolds, anticipation grows for the upcoming free skate where accuracy and artistry will be put to the ultimate test. Stay tuned for additional updates from this thrilling qualification defining the paths to the Olympic stage!
