Ilia Malinin Leads & Olympic Skating Updates: Day 4 Highlights | 2026 Winter Olympics

Milan, Italy – Ilia Malinin of the United States secured the gold medal in the figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan on Sunday, February 8th, overcoming a mid-program stumble to deliver a winning performance for Team USA. The victory marks the second consecutive Olympic gold for the American team in the event.

The U.S. And Japan entered the men’s free skate, the final event of the team competition, tied at 59 points. Malinin, a two-time World champion, delivered a score of 200.03, surpassing Japan’s Shun Sato, who scored 194.86 after substituting for Yuma Kagiyama. Kagiyama had outperformed Malinin in the short program on Saturday.

Despite a wobble during his routine, Malinin’s technical skill proved decisive. His performance included an attempt at five quad jumps, showcasing the athleticism that has earned him the nickname “Quad God.” Sato’s subsequent performance, described as a “routine of a lifetime,” ultimately fell short of overtaking the American skater.

Team USA’s victory was also bolstered by a strong performance from Amber Glenn in the women’s free skate. Glenn, a North Texas native, placed third in the event and became the oldest U.S. Women’s singles skater to compete in an Olympics in 98 years, according to U.S. Figure Skating. She also made history as the first openly LGBTQ woman to skate at an Olympic Games.

Italy took the bronze medal in the team event. The Olympic figure skating team event consists of four disciplines: free ice dance, free pair skating, women’s single free skate and men’s single free skate.

Malinin is now setting his sights on competing in the individual competitions, which begin on Monday, February 10th. Novak Djokovic was reportedly in attendance and expressed awe at Malinin’s performance.