Anatomy of an upset: how Ilia Malinin lost Olympic figure skating gold
Guardian Sport
by Bryan Armen Graham in MilanFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ilia Malinin's shock defeat at the Olympic figure skating finals was as unexpected as it was revealing. Despite entering the competition as the runaway favorite, a series of early mistakes during his free skate led to a dramatic meltdown, showcasing the high-pressure nature of modern figure skating. Malinin had dominated the sport for nearly three years, winning back-to-back world titles and setting new technical standards. His lead after the short program and the difficulty of his planned program seemed like insurmountable advantages.
Malinin's defeat was shocking not just because of his lengthy dominance but also because of how much the competition had already tilted in his favor before he even stepped onto the ice. He arrived at the Milano Ice Skating Arena with a five-point lead, having set a benchmark that few could hope to match. His reputation as a nearly unbeaten skater since late 2023 added to the pressure, and any misstep—no matter how minor—could have significant consequences in the highly technical scoring system.
The competition's brutal math came into play when Malinin struggled with early mistakes in his free skate. Even though he attempted one of the most difficult programs, a single error could cost him valuable points, and a series of miscues proved costly. His performance fell short of expectations, leaving room for other competitors to close the gap. This outcome highlighted how fragile success can be in high-stakes sports, where precision and mental resilience are critical.
Malinin's downfall serves as a reminder of the intense pressure faced by elite athletes and the fine margins that determine victory or defeat. For readers interested in sports, this story underscores the importance of consistency, adaptability, and mental strength in competitive sports
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/14/2026