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Malinin Favored in Olympic Figure Skating Short Program

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 12:42 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, JAPAN, KAZAKHSTAN

Milan, Italy - February 10th, 2026 - The world's eyes are fixed on the PalaLottomatica arena in Milan today as the men's figure skating short program commences at the 2026 Winter Olympics. After years of anticipation, the competition is finally here, showcasing a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for Olympic glory. All eyes, however, are on American skater Ilia Malinin, widely considered the favorite to claim the coveted gold medal.

The pressure is immense, but Malinin, known for his groundbreaking quad Axel, appears unfazed. He is slated to perform late in the program, at 4:24 AM PST (9:24 AM GMT), a strategic placement that allows him to observe his competitors and fine-tune his approach. This timing also heightens the drama, as fans will have to wait through a full slate of performances before witnessing what many believe could be a history-making skate.

But the competition is far from a one-man show. The field is packed with formidable opponents, including returning Olympic medalists and a new generation of skaters pushing the boundaries of the sport. Notably, the presence of Yuzuru Hanyu, a two-time Olympic champion, adds significant weight to the event. While Hanyu has faced injury challenges in recent seasons, his artistry and experience remain unparalleled, making him a serious contender even at 2:18 AM PST (7:18 AM GMT).

Alongside Hanyu, other skaters to watch include Japan's Shoma Uno, a consistent performer on the international circuit, and rising stars like Junhao Zhang of China and Adam Siao Him Fa, representing France. These athletes represent a shift in the landscape of men's figure skating, bringing innovative techniques and dynamic choreography to the ice. The European contingent is also strong, with Italy's Luca Luchetti kicking off the competition at 2:00 AM PST (7:00 AM GMT) and France's Kevin Aymoz looking to make a statement at 4:42 AM PST (9:42 AM GMT).

The schedule reflects a deliberate attempt to balance veteran appeal with emerging talent. Organizers have strategically placed established names like Hanyu and Uno alongside up-and-coming skaters, creating a captivating narrative for viewers worldwide. The full schedule is as follows:

Men's figure skating short program schedule

Beyond the technical prowess displayed on the ice, the short program will also be a showcase of artistic expression. Judges will assess skaters not only on the difficulty of their jumps and spins but also on their skating skills, transitions, performance, and interpretation of the music. The balance between technical merit and artistic impression will be crucial in determining the final standings.

This year's competition is particularly significant due to the evolution of the sport. The introduction of the quad Axel, successfully landed by Malinin in competition, has redefined the limits of what is possible in men's figure skating. Skaters are now compelled to incorporate increasingly complex elements into their programs to remain competitive, leading to a thrilling and unpredictable spectacle. The question remains: will Malinin's gamble on high-risk, high-reward elements pay off, or will a more consistent and artistically refined performance prevail? The world will be watching to find out.