Ilia Malinin Dominates Men's Figure Skating Short Program with Record-Breaking 108.16 Score at Milano Cortina 2026

Ilia Malinin put on a masterclass performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Tuesday, February 10, scoring a commanding 108.16 points in the men's figure skating short program to take a substantial lead heading into the free skate. The 21-year-old American, known as the 'Quad God' for his technical prowess, executed a flawless routine that included a perfectly landed quad flip and his signature backflip, marking the third time he performed the move during these Games.

Malinin's score puts him in prime position to capture individual Olympic gold after already helping Team USA secure their second consecutive figure skating team event title earlier in the competition. His performance on Tuesday showcased not only his technical superiority but also his ability to handle the pressure of Olympic competition on the sport's biggest stage. The opening quad flip was executed with precision, setting the tone for a program that had the crowd at the Palavela arena on their feet.

The backflip, while not scored under the traditional judging system, has become Malinin's calling card at these Olympics and demonstrates his willingness to push boundaries in the sport. The move pays homage to skating history while also highlighting the evolution of men's figure skating into an era where technical difficulty has reached unprecedented levels. Malinin's combination of artistry and athleticism has made him the favorite to claim gold in the individual event.

Japan's Kagiyama Yuma sits in second place after the short program, though he trails Malinin by a significant margin. The competition will conclude with the free skate, where Malinin will need to maintain his composure and execute his planned technical content to secure the gold medal. His training leading up to the Olympics has focused heavily on consistency, and that preparation showed in Tuesday's performance.

Malinin's journey to Olympic glory has been building for years, with the Virginia native establishing himself as the most technically advanced male skater in the world. His ability to land quadruple jumps with consistency has revolutionized the sport and raised the bar for his competitors. With the team gold already secured and a commanding lead after the short program, Malinin is on the verge of cementing his legacy as one of the greatest figure skaters of his generation.

The men's figure skating free skate is scheduled for later this week, where Malinin will look to convert his short program dominance into Olympic gold. A strong performance in the free skate would cap off a remarkable Olympic debut for the young American and potentially signal the beginning of a new era in men's figure skating.