Ilia Malinin’s Olympic debut in the team figure skating event did not go exactly as planned on Saturday, as Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama delivered a near-perfect short program that kept the competition tight. Kagiyama scored 108.67 points, landing two quads, including a quad-triple combination and finishing with a triple axel, surpassing Malinin’s 98.00 points. The performance kept Japan within striking distance of the United States, which entered the final day of competition with a narrow five-point lead.
Malinin Adjusts Strategy While Chock and Bates Propel U.S. Team Forward
Malinin, the two-time reigning world champion, did not attempt his signature quad axel, opting for a triple instead, though he executed a quad flip and a quad lutz-triple toe combination. Despite these adjustments, he was beaten by Kagiyama’s precise execution and high-risk elements. Malinin admitted he had more to give, calling his short program “only 50 percent” of his potential. The result highlighted the challenge he faces in defending both his individual and team titles on the Olympic stage.
Ilia MalininThe United States received a major boost from Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who delivered a season-best free dance to “Paint It Black” from Westworld. Their flamenco-inspired routine earned 133.23 points and energized the American team and audience alike. Their performance helped the U.S. hold onto a slim lead over Japan at the end of Saturday’s competition. Chock and Bates were part of the U.S. effort to reclaim gold after the team’s victory in the 2022 Beijing Games was delayed by a Russian doping investigation, with the medals only officially awarded in Paris in 2024.
Final Free Skate Will Decide Olympic Team Medals Amid Tight U.S.-Japan Battle
Sunday’s free skate will determine the team medals. Malinin and Kagiyama will both return for their free programs, with the United States sending Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea in pairs and Amber Glenn in the women’s event, replacing Alysa Liu. Japan will rely on Kagiyama, Kaori Sakamoto, and the pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara. Malinin praised Kagiyama after the short program, noting the joy and energy his rival displayed on the Olympic stage. Both skaters will play key roles in deciding whether the U.S. can hold off Japan for the gold.
Meanwhile, the race for bronze is competitive. Italy leads with 37 points, Canada sits just two points back at 35, and Georgia trails with 32 points. Stephen Gogolev of Canada delivered a personal-best 92.99 in the short program, helping his team advance, while France narrowly missed the cut due to Kevin Aymoz’s performance. Malinin, unbeaten in his last 14 full competitions, and Kagiyama have raised the stakes in the team competition, setting the stage for a dramatic final day. Both skaters and their teams must deliver under pressure to secure a place on the podium.
