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Malinin Headlines Men's Figure Skating at Milan Olympics

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ines-men-s-figure-skating-at-milan-olympics.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 11:30 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ITALY, CANADA, JAPAN

Milan, Italy - February 10th, 2026 -

The Big Air Arena in Milan is buzzing with anticipation as the men's figure skating competition kicks off today with the short program qualifiers. All eyes are on Ilia Malinin, the young American sensation who has rapidly become the sport's brightest star. Malinin is not just competing; he's carrying the weight of expectation, and the hopes of a nation eager to see him claim Olympic gold.

The Schedule and How to Watch

For those tuning in, the men's short program is divided into three groups. Group 1 began at 9:00 AM ET, followed by Group 2 at 11:30 AM ET. And, crucially, Ilia Malinin is slated to take the ice in Group 3 at 2:00 PM ET today, February 10th.

Beyond the Schedule: The Malinin Phenomenon

Malinin's rise has been meteoric. What sets him apart isn't just his technical prowess, but his consistent execution of the quadruple Axel - a jump so notoriously difficult that it has plagued figure skaters for decades. He is, currently, the only skater consistently landing it in competition, making him a clear favorite in Milan. The quadruple Axel requires four and a half rotations in the air, demanding an unparalleled combination of strength, technique, and spatial awareness. Its successful implementation has fundamentally altered the landscape of men's figure skating, raising the bar for all competitors.

The Olympic Format and the Road to the Free Skate

The men's figure skating competition adheres to a standard format: the short program and the free skate. The short program, performed today, assesses skaters on a set of required elements - jumps, spins, step sequences - judged on both technical merit and artistic impression. The scores from the short program contribute significantly to the overall ranking. Only the top 24 skaters will progress to the highly anticipated free skate, which takes place later in the week. The free skate allows for greater creative expression and includes longer programs with more complex jump combinations.

This year, the scrutiny on scoring is particularly high. Recent controversies surrounding judging objectivity in other skating disciplines have prompted calls for increased transparency and accountability. The International Skating Union (ISU) has implemented a new judging protocol, focusing on clearer criteria for evaluating components, and providing more detailed feedback to skaters and the public. Whether this will be enough to quell concerns remains to be seen.

The Evolution of Men's Figure Skating

The sport has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Once dominated by graceful artistry and elegant lines, men's figure skating has become increasingly focused on technical difficulty. The relentless pursuit of quadruple jumps has become the norm, pushing athletes to their physical limits. While some purists lament the loss of artistic nuance, the increase in technical skill has undeniably elevated the sport's excitement and athleticism.

Malinin embodies this evolution. He's not sacrificing artistry for difficulty; he's blending the two, presenting a captivating performance alongside his groundbreaking jumps. This combination is what makes him so compelling to watch, and so dangerous to his rivals.

The Competition: Beyond Malinin

While Malinin is the clear frontrunner, the competition is far from a foregone conclusion. Japanese skaters Shoma Uno and Yuzuru Hanyu (making a highly anticipated comeback) are also expected to challenge for the podium. Uno, a consistent performer with a strong technical base, is a formidable opponent. Hanyu, a two-time Olympic champion, brings a wealth of experience and a devoted fanbase, and his return from injury is a major storyline of these games. Several other skaters, including Kevin Aymoz of France and Jun-Hyung Lee of South Korea, are also capable of delivering strong performances and contending for a medal.

The Milan Olympics represent a pivotal moment for men's figure skating. It's a showcase of incredible athleticism, artistic expression, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. And today, as Ilia Malinin prepares to take the ice, the world will be watching to see if he can deliver on his promise and become an Olympic champion.