Liveblog Olympics 2026: Figure Skating Star Malinin Falls Multiple Times and Misses Medal
Figure skater Ilia Malinin fails to earn a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics after multiple falls during his performance.
In a surprising turn of events, US figure skating prodigy Ilia Malinin, often referred to as the 'Quad God' for his impressive athletic abilities, stumbled during his routine at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, resulting in a disappointing eighth-place finish. Malinin's performance was marked by several critical errors on jumps that had previously been his signature moves, dramatically changing the expectations surrounding his potential for winning a medal.
With Malinin's struggles on the ice, the gold medal was claimed by Michail Schaidorow from Kazakhstan, who delivered a flawless performance that shocked the audience and commentators alike. This outcome added an unexpected layer of drama to the competition, as many had anticipated Malinin to dominate due to his reputation and prior achievements. The live reporting from the event included highlights from other competitions, such as a gripping victory for the men's curling team against Italy and a video message shared by skating legend Lindsey Vonn from the hospital.
As a part of the broader coverage surrounding the Olympics, these unfolding stories reflect not just individual athletic performances, but also collective national hopes and the unexpected nature of competitive sports. With many events still to come in the Winter Olympic Games, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how other competitors respond in light of Malinin's unexpected setback.