Mikhail Shaidorov Wins Men Figure Skating Gold 2026 Olympics

Mikhail Shaidorov Claims Olympic Gold: Malinin Falls in Skate Shock

MILAN, Italy – Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan won gold in the men’s figure skating finals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, surging from fifth place to claim victory with a personal-best free skate while pre-event favorite Ilia Malinin suffered a shocking collapse, finishing eighth after multiple falls. The event unfolded on February 13 at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, where Shaidorov’s 291.58 total score marked Kazakhstan’s first Olympic figure skating medal and its first Winter Games gold in 32 years, underscoring the intense pressure of competition that derailed the American “Quad God.”

Fast Facts

• Gold Medalist: Mikhail Shaidorov (Kazakhstan) – Short program: 92.94 (5th); Free skate: 198.64 (1st); Total: 291.58
• Silver and Bronze: Yuma Kagiyama (Japan) – 280.06; Shun Sato (Japan) – 274.90, continuing Japan’s strong Olympic showing
• Ilia Malinin’s Result: The 21-year-old U.S. skater led after the short program with 108.16 but scored just 156.33 in the free skate due to two falls and popped jumps, ending in 8th at 264.49
• Historic Impact: Shaidorov’s win is Kazakhstan’s second-ever Winter Olympic gold, following a 1994 cross-country skiing victory

This result shakes the figure skating world, exposing how Olympic nerves can upend even the most dominant athletes. Malinin, unbeaten since 2023 and holder of records for quadruple jumps, faced unprecedented pressure that amplified minor errors into a podium-missing disaster. For Kazakhstan, Shaidorov’s triumph boosts national pride amid limited Winter Games success, potentially inspiring more investment in skating programs. It also highlights Asia’s rising dominance in men’s figure skating, with Japan securing multiple medals for the third straight Olympics

Performance Breakdown

Shaidorov, 21, entered the free skate in fifth but delivered a flawless routine with five quads, earning 198.64 points—the night’s highest. His program to “Dune” featured a quad Lutz-triple toe loop and strong spins, surging him past the leaders

Despite a minor fall, his technical edge held.Kagiyama, 22, repeated his 2022 silver with 280.06 points, but a fall on his quad Salchow cost him gold. Sato, also Japanese, claimed bronze at 274.90 with a clean “Firebird” program, including three quads

Malinin’s free skate unraveled early. Attempting his signature quad Axel, he popped it into a double, then fell on a quad Lutz and Salchow. The 21-year-old, skating to “Succession,” scored 156.33—his lowest in years—dropping from first to eighth

Official Statements

Post-event, Malinin admitted the pressure overwhelmed him. “I blew it,” he said, citing “Olympic pressure” as a factor despite his team gold earlier. Shaidorov expressed disbelief: “These emotions are incredible. I’ve worked for this since childhood.” ISU President, praised the competition’s drama: “This shows why we love the sport—anything can happen.”

Technical Analysis

Scores broke down as follows:

Malinin’s FS included only two clean quads, far below his usual six or seven. Shaidorov’s FS base value topped 114.68, with high execution scores

Reactions from the Field

Scott Hamilton, 1984 Olympic champion, sent encouragement: “This is a bump—Ilia will bounce back.” Analysts called it “as big an upset as we’ve seen.” On X, fans posted: “I survived the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics men’s figure skating final.”

Background and History

Men’s figure skating has evolved with quads dominating since the 2010s. Malinin, born December 2, 2004, in Fairfax, Virginia, revolutionized it with the first quad Axel in 2022. Son of Uzbek skaters, he won two Worlds (2024-25), three Grand Prix Finals, and four U.S. titles (2023-26). Unbeaten since 2023, he earned “Quad God” for landing all six quad types.

Shaidorov, born June 25, 2004, in Almaty, broke through in 2024-25 with Four Continents gold and Worlds silver. Kazakhstan’s skating legacy includes Denis Ten’s 2014 bronze; Shaidorov honors it.

Kagiyama, born May 5, 2003, in Yokohama, followed his father’s Olympic path, winning 2022 silver and three Worlds silvers.

The short program on February 10 saw Malinin lead with quads and a backflip—banned until 2024 but now allowed. Free skate chaos ensued, with multiple falls.

Timeline: Malinin’s 2022 junior World gold led to senior dominance. Shaidorov’s rise countered with clean skates. This Olympic event echoes 1994’s Nancy Kerrigan upset but amplifies with tech demands.

What’s Next

Medal ceremony follows immediately, with exhibition gala on February 15 featuring top skaters in non-competitive routines. Malinin may perform despite the setback. Upcoming: 2026 Worlds in March, where Malinin seeks redemption. Shaidorov defends his title, potentially sparking a rivalry. Kazakhstan plans skating infrastructure boosts; U.S. focuses on Malinin’s mental prep for 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

For more breaking U.S. / Worldwide / India Focus news, visit Righway Latest Headlines daily.