No quad Axel? No problem. Ilia Malinin’s heroics lift Team USA to gold at Winter Olympics 2026
The two-time and reigning world champion from the United States cemented Team USA’s second-straight figure skating team title at the Olympic Winter Games, showcasing phenomenal talent and determination on the grand stage.
Entering the men’s free skate, anticipation bubbled as the U.S. and Japan stood tied at 59 points, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. It was clear that all eyes were on the American star Ilia Malinin, who faced significant pressure following a shaky short program. However, Malinin’s focus and skill shone brightly during his performance on the night of February 8.
Notably, despite opting not to perform his signature jump—the elusive quadruple Axel—Malinin still dazzled audiences and judges alike. His detailed free skate, titled “A Voice,” included an impressive five quadruple jumps, although his second Lutz was called for being a quarter short. Even without the quad Axel, he scored an impressive 200.03, surpassing Japan’s rising talent, Sato Shun, who landed at 194.86.
As the performance reached its emotional high point, Malinin executed a mesmerizing back flip, engendering a thunderous ovation from a rapt audience. While he may not have hit every mark, his showing solidified his position as a favorite in the individual event set to take place later this week.
With those competitions looming on February 10, Malinin will be eager for redemption and another chance to etch his name into the history books as the first skater ever to land the quad Axel at the Olympics. The spotlight continues to shine on this remarkable young athlete as fans hold their breath in anticipation.
Team USA’s triumph is a reminder of the fierce competition in figure skating, and Malinin’s journey is just beginning. Stay tuned as the fervor builds for the individual competitions at Milano, where both drama and history await.
