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Malinin Finishes Fourth at Milan Olympics, Faces Unexpected Setback

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 5:49 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, JAPAN, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Milan, Italy - February 14th, 2026 - Ilia Malinin, the reigning two-time world champion, is grappling with the disappointment of finishing fourth in the men's singles figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. While the silver and gold medals were claimed by Shoma Uno and Kevin Aymoz respectively, with Junhwan Lee taking bronze, Malinin's performance fell short of expectations, leaving him and fans worldwide questioning what went wrong. In a post-competition press conference, Malinin candidly addressed the technical difficulties that plagued his free skate, offering insight into the pressures of the Olympic stage and his plans for the future.

Malinin's fourth-place finish marks a significant upset for the American skater, who entered the Olympics as a strong favorite. His innovative and incredibly difficult program, highlighted by his mastery of the quad Axel - a jump that very few skaters even attempt - had positioned him as a leading contender for the gold. However, the Olympic arena proved to be a formidable challenge, as the weight of expectation and the intensity of competition contributed to uncharacteristic errors.

Speaking to reporters, Malinin was visibly disappointed but maintained a determined outlook. "It's definitely disappointing, but I'm trying to look at the bigger picture," he stated, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. While acknowledging the psychological pressure inherent in competing at the highest level, Malinin took full accountability for the technical flaws that ultimately cost him a medal.

The primary issue, he revealed, lay in the execution of his signature quad Axel. The jump, notoriously difficult to land cleanly, requires precise timing, momentum, and air awareness. Malinin explained that his entry into the jump was "a little off," disrupting his carefully planned trajectory. "I didn't have the right momentum, and I had to adjust mid-air, which definitely didn't help." This mid-air correction, while demonstrating remarkable athleticism, resulted in a loss of control and a significant deduction in his score. Footage of the performance confirms Malinin's assessment; the quad Axel, usually a highlight, appeared rushed and lacked its usual fluidity.

The quad Axel isn't Malinin's only technical arsenal. He routinely lands multiple other quad jumps - the quadruple Salchow, loop, flip, and Lutz - with impressive consistency. However, the quad Axel carries a higher base value, meaning a clean landing would have provided a substantial advantage. The imperfect execution, combined with minor errors on other elements, accumulated to push him off the podium. Experts suggest that a clean quad Axel would have been sufficient to secure at least a silver medal, potentially even challenging Uno for the gold.

This Olympic experience serves as a crucial learning moment for the young skater. While many athletes struggle to dissect their failures in the immediate aftermath of competition, Malinin is already focused on analysis and improvement. He has announced his intention to meticulously review the performance footage with his coaching team, identifying specific areas for refinement. This dedication to self-improvement underscores his commitment to remaining a dominant force in the sport.

Looking ahead, Malinin has set his sights on the World Championships in March. This competition offers a valuable opportunity to redeem himself and demonstrate his resilience. The World Championships will also provide a platform to showcase the adjustments he and his coaches have made based on the Olympic experience. Many anticipate a renewed and even more focused Malinin at this event.

Beyond the immediate competitive goals, Malinin's situation highlights the evolving landscape of men's figure skating. The sport has seen an explosion in technical difficulty in recent years, with skaters pushing the boundaries of what's physically possible. The quad Axel, once considered an almost unattainable feat, is now becoming a more common - albeit still challenging - element in top-level programs. This trend demands not only exceptional athleticism but also meticulous technique and mental fortitude.

Ilia Malinin's Olympic journey is far from over. Despite the setback in Milan, his talent, dedication, and proactive approach to improvement suggest that he will undoubtedly remain a key figure in the world of figure skating for years to come. The skating world eagerly awaits his return, confident that he will learn from this experience and emerge even stronger.