Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov secured the gold medal in men’s figure skating at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games, a stunning upset fueled by errors from several top contenders. The victory marks Kazakhstan’s first Olympic gold in the sport in eight years.
Shaidorov, who was fifth after the short program, delivered a strong free skate performance, earning 198.64 points and moving into first place overall with a total score of 291.58. His success came as higher-ranked skaters faltered during their routines, experiencing unexpected difficulties on the ice.
The most dramatic turn came with American skater Ilia Malinin, who had previously dominated the sport for two years and was the first to land a quadruple Axel jump in international competition. Malinin, considered a favorite, struggled significantly in his free skate, falling multiple times and ultimately finishing eighth overall. He reportedly became visibly emotional after his performance, shedding tears on the ice.
Instead of completing his signature quadruple Axel, Malinin managed only a single rotation. His free skate score placed him 15th, a stark contrast to his five-point lead after the short program. This unexpected outcome highlights the intense pressure and unpredictable nature of Olympic competition.
Other skaters also faced challenges. Adam Siao Him Fa, the 2024 European champion, fell three times while attempting quadruple Lutz, loop, and Salchow jumps, finishing sixth. Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, who was in second place after the short program, made errors on a quadruple Salchow and a quadruple flip, ultimately securing the silver medal.
Shunas Sato of Japan claimed the bronze medal, rising from ninth place after the short program. The series of errors by leading competitors paved the way for Shaidorov’s unexpected victory.
The results at the 2026 Winter Olympics underscore the demanding physical and mental toll of elite figure skating, where even the most skilled athletes can be vulnerable to unexpected setbacks. The competition serves as a reminder of the fine line between success and disappointment at the highest level of athletic achievement.
Shaidorov’s performance represents a career high, with both his free skate and overall scores being personal bests.
