In an unexpected turn of events at the Milan Cortina Games, Kazakhstani skater Mikhail Shaidorov seized the gold medal in men's figure skating. This remarkable victory came after a dramatic collapse from the pre-tournament favorite, American Ilia Malinin, who, despite his reputation for pioneering the quad Axel, failed to deliver a clean performance in his free skate. The competition saw several top contenders struggle, paving the way for Shaidorov's triumph and marking a significant upset in the sport's Olympic history. Japan's Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato secured silver and bronze, respectively, completing a surprising podium.
Kazakhstan's Shaidorov Captures Gold in Milan Amidst Malinin's Disappointment
On Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan, Italy, Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan delivered a career-defining performance to clinch the men's figure skating gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games. The 21-year-old, who had been fifth after the short program, amassed an impressive 198.64 points in the free skate, bringing his total to 291.58. His emotional fall to the ice following his routine, a personal best, foreshadowed the monumental upset that unfolded.
The highly anticipated performance of American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin, also 21, took a downturn from its very beginning. Malinin, renowned for his ability to land the quad Axel—a feat unmatched by any other competitor—had aimed for seven quadruple jumps. However, his opening quad Axel attempt devolved into a single Axel, setting the tone for a performance riddled with errors. He suffered two falls and cleanly landed only three quadruples. Visibly distraught and shaking his head, Malinin concluded his free skate with a score of 156.33, placing him 15th in that segment and leading to an overall total of 264.49, leaving him off the medal stand. Malinin later attributed his struggles to the immense pressure of being the favorite and the intense media scrutiny in his inaugural Games, acknowledging, "It's too much to handle."
The struggles weren't limited to Malinin. Other medal hopefuls, including France's Adam Siao Him Fa, who was third after the short program, and Japan's Yuma Kagiyama, who was second, also failed to meet expectations. Kagiyama, however, managed to secure the silver medal, while his compatriot Shun Sato earned the bronze. This sequence of events created a vacuum that Shaidorov masterfully filled, showcasing his technical prowess and composure under pressure. Malinin expressed happiness for Shaidorov, highlighting the supportive camaraderie among figure skaters, despite the competitive nature of the sport.
This unexpected outcome serves as a potent reminder that even the most anticipated victories are never guaranteed in the unpredictable world of elite sports. The pressure of the Olympic stage can be an overwhelming force, capable of derailing even the most accomplished athletes. Malinin's experience underscores the psychological challenges inherent in high-stakes competition, demonstrating that mental fortitude is as crucial as physical skill. Conversely, Shaidorov's ascent from a lesser-known contender to an Olympic champion is a testament to perseverance and the power of seizing opportunities when they arise. His triumph inspires us to recognize that while talent sets the stage, it is often resilience and a calm demeanor that ultimately dictate who stands atop the podium. This event also celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship, as evidenced by Malinin's gracious congratulation to his competitor, reminding us of the mutual respect that binds athletes in their shared pursuit of excellence.