American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin, famously known as the "Quad God," will remain in Milan to perform at the upcoming figure skating exhibition gala, as reported by USA Today's Christine Brennan. This news follows a deeply emotional and unexpected performance in the men's free skate, where Malinin, a heavy favorite, struggled with multiple errors, including two falls, resulting in his lowest final score of 264.49 in nearly four years.
Malinin's Gala Inclusion Defies Expectations
According to Brennan, Malinin's participation in the non-medal exhibition event on Saturday, just before the Winter Olympics closing ceremony, is "almost unheard of." The gala typically features medalists, fourth-place finishers, or skaters from the host country, making Malinin's eighth-place overall finish in the men's singles competition a surprising addition to the lineup. A source confirmed this to the veteran sports journalist, highlighting the unique nature of his invitation.
Emotional Aftermath and Future Plans
Days after the competition, Malinin was seen holding back tears as he left the ice, shocking fans with a performance that fell far short of expectations. Despite this setback, the 21-year-old is set to travel to Prague next month to defend his back-to-back world figure skating titles at the world championships, aiming to reclaim his dominance on the global stage.
Team USA and Olympic Context
Malinin had previously contributed to Team USA's gold medal in the team event, showcasing his elite skills. In other Olympic news, he was spotted watching the pair's short program on Sunday alongside Mexico's Donovan Carrillo and Team Canada's Piper Gilles. Meanwhile, Team USA's Emily Chan and Spencer Howe made their Olympic debut with a score of 70.06, and American duo Ellie Kam and Daniel O'Shea are scheduled to compete later in the competition.
This development underscores Malinin's resilience and continued prominence in the sport, as he navigates both immediate challenges and future opportunities in figure skating.
