Men’s figure skating team event: Malinin falters but USA still leads

The “Quad God” Ilia Malinin made his Olympic debut on February 7, 2026, but stumbled when it mattered most. Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama topped Malinin in the men’s short program, dealing a shocking blow to Team USA’s pursuit of team event gold in Milano.

Kagiyama Seizes the Moment in Milan

Yuma Kagiyama, the 2022 Olympic silver medalist, delivered a masterclass in poise and precision. Skating before an electrified Milan crowd, Kagiyama showcased technical perfection and musical command that underscored why he remains one of the sport’s most reliable competitors. His three-time world silver medalist credentials showed as he drew standing ovations with every element.

The 21-year-old Malinin faced an entirely different performance. Despite exceptional artistry and arena presence, several of his jumps were marked as underrotated. Most notably, he opted for a triple Axel instead of the quadruple Axel that only he can complete in competition.

The Missing Quad That Changed the Night

Malinin submitted his quadruple Axel as a planned element ahead of the competition, signaling his intention to make history. The move would mark the first quad Axel ever performed at an Olympic Winter Games. His 12-point deficit tells the story of what happens when momentum shifts unexpectedly.

“I’m really excited,” Malinin said ahead of the event. “This is officially the first Olympic event I’m doing. It’s such an honor to represent Team USA.” That honor came with the weight of being the heavy favorite for gold, a pressure that may have influenced his strategic choices in the short program.

Team USA Still in Control Despite the Shock

Competitor	Score	Country
Yuma Kagiyama	108.67	Japan
Ilia Malinin	98.00	USA

Despite Malinin’s second-place finish in the individual men’s short program, Team USA commanded the overall team event standings after the first day. Combined scores from men’s singles, pairs, and ice dance placed the Americans ahead with 25 points. Japan improved significantly with Kagiyama’s explosive performance, narrowing the gap to just 2 points entering the final segments.

The team competition continues with the remaining free skate programs through Sunday, February 8. The drama intensifies as Malinin gets another chance in his free skate to prove why he earned the “Quad God” nickname in the first place.

“I’m really excited. This is officially the first Olympic event I’m doing. It’s such an honor to represent Team USA.”

— Ilia Malinin, Team USA Figure Skater

What’s Next for the American Phenomena?

Malinin arrives at the 2026 Winter Olympics as the two-time and reigning world champion, carrying expectations that would crush most athletes. His reputation rests on an ability to land jumps nobody else can even dream of attempting. Yet figure skating remains unpredictable, where pressure, ice conditions, and nerves can change everything in seconds.

The free program segment gives Malinin approximately four and a half minutes to recapture American momentum. Kagiyama has already shown he’s in peak form, making the remaining segments of this team event unmissable for figure skating fans worldwide.

Can Team USA Recover from the Men’s Shock?

USA’s earlier dominance came from standout performances by ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who claimed first with a world-best score of 91.06. That excellence suggests American depth might still carry the team through, even after Malinin’s uncharacteristic stumble. As the competition unfolds through February 8, every point matters in this nail-biting format.

The question now is whether Malinin can refocus and remind everyone why he remains the most talked-about skater on the planet, or if Japan’s momentum shift will continue through the remaining events.

Sources

• Olympics.com – Official coverage of Winter Olympics 2026 figure skating team event and Ilia Malinin’s Olympic debut in Milan, Italy
• NBC Olympics – Live results and analysis showing Yuma Kagiyama edging Malinin with 108.67 points in men’s short program
• USA Today Sports – Real-time team standings and updated results from February 7, 2026 team event competition