US Figure Skating Team Stakes Its Future on Ilia Malinin's Solo Run for Gold
The United States figure skating team is putting its faith in 21-year-old phenom Ilia Malinin to bring home gold, despite a rocky debut in the team event. With Japan's Yuma Kagiyama edging out Malinin in the short program, Team USA opted to send Malinin into the free skate portion of the competition, where he has consistently dominated.
Malinin, known for his incredible technical prowess and signature "quad God" moves, is expected to be unbeatable unless he makes a mistake. His ability to fire off multiple quadruple jumps and power through the longer second half of figure skating make him nearly untouchable in this segment. However, it was in the short program that Kagiyama's masterclass performance ultimately took down Malinin, leaving the American feeling rough and nervous.
Malinin acknowledged his limitations after the competition, stating he only achieved 50% of his full potential in the first half of the event. While this may seem like an admission of defeat, it's a testament to his unwavering commitment to improvement and his desire to be the face of figure skating. The Virginia native has consistently pushed himself to new heights, including becoming the first skater to land a backflip in an official Olympic event.
With Team USA banking on Malinin's strength in the free skate portion, it could be a high-risk, high-reward strategy. However, if anyone can make this work, it's Malinin. He has proven time and again that he's unbeatable in the longer segment of figure skating, and now he'll have the chance to write his own narrative on Sunday night in Milan.
Can Team USA rely on Ilia Malinin to lead them to gold? The answer will be revealed on February 7th as they take to the ice in a do-or-die performance.
The United States figure skating team is putting its faith in 21-year-old phenom Ilia Malinin to bring home gold, despite a rocky debut in the team event. With Japan's Yuma Kagiyama edging out Malinin in the short program, Team USA opted to send Malinin into the free skate portion of the competition, where he has consistently dominated.
Malinin, known for his incredible technical prowess and signature "quad God" moves, is expected to be unbeatable unless he makes a mistake. His ability to fire off multiple quadruple jumps and power through the longer second half of figure skating make him nearly untouchable in this segment. However, it was in the short program that Kagiyama's masterclass performance ultimately took down Malinin, leaving the American feeling rough and nervous.
Malinin acknowledged his limitations after the competition, stating he only achieved 50% of his full potential in the first half of the event. While this may seem like an admission of defeat, it's a testament to his unwavering commitment to improvement and his desire to be the face of figure skating. The Virginia native has consistently pushed himself to new heights, including becoming the first skater to land a backflip in an official Olympic event.
With Team USA banking on Malinin's strength in the free skate portion, it could be a high-risk, high-reward strategy. However, if anyone can make this work, it's Malinin. He has proven time and again that he's unbeatable in the longer segment of figure skating, and now he'll have the chance to write his own narrative on Sunday night in Milan.
Can Team USA rely on Ilia Malinin to lead them to gold? The answer will be revealed on February 7th as they take to the ice in a do-or-die performance.
His skills are insane and he's always been so consistent. I mean, who else can pull off those quad jumps? 
The US team is taking a huge risk putting all their hopes on him, but honestly, it's a no-brainer - he's the only one who can bring home that gold medal. 
If he doesn't deliver, it'll be a total bummer for Team USA, but I'm sure they know what they're getting with Malinin. He's always been so focused and driven, even if it means he didn't quite meet expectations in the short program. 
Bring on Feb 7th, can't wait to see him shine! 
his quad moves are insane lol. gotta see how he does in that free skate portion tho 
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. On one hand, Malinin has been dominating in the free skate portion of competitions and it's hard to imagine him not bringing home gold now 
. However, there's always a chance that something could go wrong - maybe he gets distracted or makes a mistake on his quad jumps? 
That would be a disaster for Team USA.
. He's consistently pushed himself to new heights and it's clear that he's got the skills and mental toughness to perform under pressure 
. It's also worth noting that Japan's Yuma Kagiyama gave him a run for his money in the short program, so Malinin has already proven that he can compete with the best.
. He's got this and he'll be unstoppable on Sunday night 
I'm low-key nervous for Team USA, but high-key excited to see what Malinin's got! 
#TeamUSA #IliaMalinin #FigureSkating #GoldMedalContest
... what if he doesn't bring his A-game to free skate portion? 
also, what's with the 50% achievement statement from Malinin? is that supposed to be some kind of compliment or something? 
. I'm so hyped for the free skate portion, it's gonna be a nail-biter! 
Can't wait to see what Malinin brings to the table on Sunday 
. My money's on him - he's gonna bring that gold medal home 
. Malinin's got some serious skills though - those quad jumps are insane 
. One thing's for sure, malinin's dedication to improving is inspiring