Ilia Malinin shone brightly during the recent figure skating competition at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, securing gold for the United States. His score of 200.03 points narrowly surpassed Japan’s Shun Sato, who scored 194.86 points. This win marked the second consecutive Olympic team figure skating gold for the U.S.
Malinin, known for his ability to perform multiple quad jumps, stunned everyone with five successful quads, even without his signature quad axel. Despite a slight mishap where he put his hand down after a jump, he adjusted his routine to regain points. The crowd’s energy surged as he landed a flawless backflip, pushing his teammates, who cheered him on from the sidelines, to their feet.
“We all poured our hearts into this,” Malinin shared, highlighting the team’s unity. After his routine concluded, the crowd roared in approval, and his coaches celebrated with infectious energy.
In a surprising twist, Italy’s Matteo Rizzo captured the bronze, impressing the crowd with an emotional performance that brought them to their feet, chanting “Italia!” as he skated to a season-best score of 179.62 points. Rizzo kneeling on the ice, tears streaming down his face, struck a deep chord with the audience.
The U.S. team, buoyed by impressive performances from ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, entered the decisive round with a slim lead. But the pressure remained high, especially with Japan’s formidable pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara excelling in their discipline.
Pair skaters Danny O’Shea and Ellie Kam also delivered an inspiring performance, with O’Shea praising Malinin’s clutch performance. Kam fought through her routine with determination, focused on securing crucial points as the crowd grew increasingly excited.
In the ladies’ segment, Amber Glenn faced immense pressure in her Olympic debut. She struggled through her routine, feeling overwhelmed by the stage and the surrounding media pressure. Despite this, she encouraged the LGBTQ+ community to stay strong amid adversity, especially in light of past struggles for rights. After encountering backlash on social media, Glenn emphasized the importance of taking care of her mental health during this intense time.
Notably, the Olympics have seen a rise in athlete activism. Many competitors are using their platforms to advocate for social justice, reflecting a shift from purely athletic performance to broader societal concerns. This phenomenon could be the most significant change in Olympic culture in recent years, reminding us that athletes are voices of their generation.
As we reflect on this competition, it’s clear that the spirit of teamwork and resilience was paramount for the U.S. team. Their collective efforts in Milan-Cortina not only secured a medal but also showcased the heart and passion that the Olympics embody. The excitement in the ice rink was palpable, and these performances will be remembered for years to come.
