Ilia Malinin reacts after competing on day seven of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Ice Skating Arena on Friday, February 13. But then the cruel reality of sport soon kicked in, and the realization of what had transpired in the previous five minutes began to dawn on those inside the Milano Ice Skating Arena. - Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesBefore any of the athletes took to the ice, everyone was talking about how, not if, Malilin was going to win gold. So when the Japanese star struggled in the routine before Malinin, it left the door wide open for the American to secure his second Olympic gold. That performance was quickly forgotten, though, after his free skate inspired Team USA to win gold.

Source: CNN February 14, 2026 16:49 UTC