An unexpected underperformance on Olympic ice

Before the free skate, Malinin was considered a world-class skater. A champion renowned for his technical mastery and spectacular quadruple jumps, he entered the competition as the man to beat. Several analysts were still highlighting his technical prowess and his ability to push the boundaries of men's skating in recent days.

American media harsh after the rout

The American press was quick to react to this major setback. Several leading newspapers emphasized the magnitude of the disappointment, describing it as a "nightmare evening" for the skater who had been touted as the face of American figure skating. For its part, the New York Times stressed the "striking gap between expectations and reality," noting that Malinin had been considered the clear favorite before the free skate.

Olympics – Heavy favorite in figure skating, American Ilia Malinin falls hard and goes from dream to nightmare

Announced as the heavy favorite for the men’s free skate program in Milan-Cortina, Ilia Malinin experienced a true collapse on Friday night. Expected leader of the figure skating event, the American completely sank during his performance, finishing the competition in an anecdotal 8th place, far from the ambitions displayed and the projections of experts.

An unexpected underperformance on the Olympic ice

Before the free skate, Malinin was considered a global reference. A champion recognized for his technical mastery and spectacular quadruple jumps, he entered the competition with the status of the man to beat. Several analysts reminded in recent days of his technical lead and his ability to push the limits of men’s skating.

But on the Italian ice, nothing went as planned. Errors on landings, unusual imbalances, and execution below his standards marked his performance. As the elements unfolded, the gap with his direct competitors widened. At the end of the run, the scoreboard confirmed the astonishment: an 8th place finish, far from the podium and the hopes for a gold medal.

Harsh American media after the rout

The American press quickly reacted to this major underperformance. Several major outlets highlighted the extent of the disappointment, describing a “nightmare evening” for the one who was presented as the face of American figure skating. On its side, the New York Times emphasized the “striking gap between expectations and reality,” recalling that Malinin was considered the natural favorite before the free skate.

NBC Sports also highlighted the pressure weighing on the young skater, noting that “the status of absolute favorite can sometimes become a difficult burden to bear on the Olympic stage”. Several commentators stressed the contrast between his recent domination on the international circuit and his failed performance at the most important event of the season.

A major setback for the American camp

For U.S. figure skating, this 8th place represents a brutal halt. Expectations were particularly high around Malinin, whose spectacular progress in recent seasons suggested an Olympic crown. The harsh law of sport…