‘Quad God’ 1 of Many American Athletes Forced to Find Silver Lining at Olympics
Malinin falls twice to join growing list of strong U.S. competitors coming up short of gold in Italy.
USA's Ilia Malinin reacts after competing in the figure skating men's singles free skating final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on February 13, 2026. Wang Zhao / AFP via Getty Images
Just like many other U.S. athletes at the Milan Cortina Olympics, even the “Quad God” Ilia Malinin suffered a fall from grace.
The overwhelming favorite to win the men’s figure skating gold medal, Malinin tumbled twice on Friday, dropping from a big lead after the short program to a stunning eighth-place finish in the competition.
John E. Gibson
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John E. Gibson has covered pro baseball in Japan for about 20 years and brings great knowledge and insight across the sports spectrum. His experience includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts and The Yomiuri Shimbun’s English newspaper in Tokyo.
