Skater Falls, Another Wins Gold at Milan Olympics

Big surprise in figure skating at the Milan Olympics. Ilia Malinin, who was expected to win, fell down. Mikhail Shaidorov from Kazakhstan won the gold medal instead. There was also talk about how the ice dance skaters were scored.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

High Stakes and Dramatic Turns in Olympic Figure Skating

The Winter Olympics figure skating events in Milan have been marked by profound shifts in expected outcomes. Ilia Malinin, the American skater widely favored for the men's singles gold, experienced a dramatic fall from grace, ultimately missing the podium. This outcome allowed Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan to secure a historic gold medal, an event many are describing as one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history. The competition also saw close calls and scrutiny regarding judging in ice dance, with the International Skating Union (ISU) defending its procedures amidst debate.

The Figure Skating Curse at These Olympics Is Finally Over - 1

Context of the Unexpected Performances

The narrative of these Olympics has been significantly shaped by Ilia Malinin's performance. Entering the men's free skate as the overwhelming favorite, Malinin, known as the "Quad god," fell twice during his routine. This unexpected lapse sent him from a leading position to an eventual eighth-place finish overall, and fifteenth in the free skate. His struggles have led to discussions about an "Olympic curse" affecting top contenders.

Read More: Taylor Swift Tells Story of US Figure Skaters for Olympics

The Figure Skating Curse at These Olympics Is Finally Over - 2

Conversely, Mikhail Shaidorov delivered a performance that stunned the field. His gold medal marks a significant achievement for Kazakhstan, their first Olympic medal in 32 years. Skaters like Jason Brown have also been discussed in relation to the pressure of Olympic performance, with past champions like Nathan Chen also referenced as examples of navigating Olympic challenges.

The Figure Skating Curse at These Olympics Is Finally Over - 3

In ice dance, the silver medal secured by the American pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates has also been a point of focus. While they expressed pride in their performance and gratitude for fan support, the outcome has brought attention to the intricacies of the ISU judging system and the potential impact of individual judge scores.

The Figure Skating Curse at These Olympics Is Finally Over - 4

Evidence of Performance Outcomes and Reactions

  • Ilia Malinin's Performance: Multiple reports confirm Malinin fell twice during his free skate. This led to him finishing eighth overall. He expressed his disappointment, noting, "It’s the Olympics. So that’s what happens."

  • Mikhail Shaidorov's Victory: Shaidorov's win is highlighted as a major upset, securing Kazakhstan's first gold medal in three decades. His reaction included shock and disbelief.

  • Ice Dance Judging: Reports indicate a controversy stemming from a single judge's score for Chock and Bates. This score was noted as significantly lower than those of other judges, particularly a French judge who awarded a much higher score to the competing French duo.

  • Ilia Malinin's Post-Competition Response: Malinin has spoken about the pressure he felt and has since focused on future competitions, including winning a World title a month prior to the Olympics.

Deep Dives into Key Events

The "Olympic Curse" and Malinin's Struggles

The term "Olympic curse" has resurfaced in discussions surrounding Ilia Malinin's unexpected performance. Despite a year of seemingly perfected routines and a dominant World Championship title won a month prior, Malinin faltered under Olympic pressure. His decision to attempt a program with high theoretical difficulty, including a planned quad axel that was reduced to a single jump, is contrasted with advice to potentially use a more dialed-back, proven program, as he did at the U.S. championships. His struggles have been juxtaposed with the eventual success of Mikhail Shaidorov.

Shaidorov's Upset Victory: A Historic Moment

Mikhail Shaidorov's gold medal is being recognized as a monumental achievement for Kazakhstan. The 21-year-old skater delivered what is described as the skate of his life, upsetting not only the heavily favored Ilia Malinin but the entire field. This victory underscores the unpredictable nature of elite figure skating and highlights the emergence of new talent on the Olympic stage.

Judging Scrutiny in Ice Dance

The ice dance competition has seen scrutiny regarding judging practices, particularly concerning the scores awarded to Madison Chock and Evan Bates. A single judge's score deviated significantly from the majority, raising questions about potential variations in scoring. The ISU has defended its system, emphasizing the use of a trimmed mean to mitigate outlier scores and maintain fairness. This event brings to light ongoing discussions about transparency and consistency in judging.

Expert Analysis

"Execution still beats theoretical difficulty when pressure is highest." - Analysis in The Guardian, regarding performance under pressure.

The International Skating Union (ISU) has defended the integrity of Olympic ice dance judging after a single judge’s scoring gap became central to the outcome of the gold medal contest, insisting variations across panels are expected and that safeguards exist to prevent bias from determining results. - The Guardian

Conclusion and Implications

The figure skating events at the Milan Olympics have provided a stark reminder of the sport's inherent drama and unpredictability. Ilia Malinin's struggles have initiated a conversation about the unique pressures of the Olympic Games, even for established champions. Simultaneously, Mikhail Shaidorov's surprising gold medal is a testament to seizing opportunity and delivering a career-defining performance.

Read More: 61-Year-Old Skater Gets Noticed at Winter Olympics

The discussions around judging in ice dance highlight the ongoing efforts by the ISU to ensure a fair competitive environment, even as individual scoring variations can impact outcomes. For Malinin, the focus now shifts to his future, with his World Championship title serving as a reminder of his capabilities. The broader implication for the sport is the persistent narrative of the Olympic stage as a crucible where the best-laid plans can be tested and where unexpected athletes can rise to global prominence.

Sources Used

Read More: British Speed Skating Faces Big Problems for 2026 Games

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the men's figure skating gold medal?
Mikhail Shaidorov from Kazakhstan won the gold medal. He was a surprise winner.
Q: What happened to Ilia Malinin?
Ilia Malinin, who was a favorite to win, fell down twice during his skate. He finished in eighth place.
Q: Was there any problem with judging?
Yes, some people talked about the scores in the ice dance event. One judge gave a very different score than the others.