Kagiyama Stuns Malinin With Perfect Quads in Olympic Figure Skating

Team USA and Japan Face Off in Olympic Figure Skating Team Event

As the multi-discipline team event entered its crucial second half, the air at Milano Ice Skating Arena buzzed with anticipation. For the American figure skating contingent, every score was scrutinized under the spotlight that had haunted them since their gold medal’s dubious beginnings nearly three years ago.

Yuma Kagiyama, an Olympic newcomer and Japanese sensation, soared to victory in Saturday night’s short program. With a pair of near-flawless quadruple jumps—coupled with a triple toe loop—and a score of 108.67 points, he surpassed Ilia Malinin, who had been second on the leaderboard with 98.00.

Malinin, a two-time world champion and former “Quad God” under his previous moniker, watched Kagiyama’s triumph from the stands, where he wore a black tank top emblazoned with the “Quad God” moniker. The nickname, inspired by Malinin’s propensity for quadruple jumps, had quickly become a defining part of his skating persona.

The American team rallied around their star, using the American flag as camouflage to shield Kagiyama from the intense press and camera flashes that surrounded him. After scoring 33 points in Saturday’s short program, the U.S. Team now trailed Japan by only one point—sufficient for a second place finish ahead of the trio of Italy (28 points), Canada (27), and Georgia (25).

Kagiyama himself credited his teammates’ support, saying, “I didn’t feel any pressure today. I’m very happy our score is so close to that of Team USA.”

Before making their Olympic debut, Malinin’s journey began with a distinctive name change. He chose the moniker “Quad God” after posting an Instagram handle inspired by a quad jump he successfully executed in a competition.

“He was like, ‘Oh, I landed a quad? Quad God,'” recounted Malinin, who had once attempted to rename himself but found that “only one quad” justified his new nickname. Reflecting on his journey, the 21-year-old explained, “I started skating at six, and now I’m in my fourth Olympics.”

The Japanese teenager’s short program was a symphony of precision and power, starting with a flawless quad toe-triple toe combination and culminating in a triple axel—highlighted by his successful quadruple salchow. The sheer audacity of Kagiyama’s achievement left Malinin visibly stunned.

“It’s only 50% of my full potential here,” quipped Malinin, reflecting on the score that had just been read out. “That’s disappointing because I’m not at my best.”

While the American team was reeling from Kagiyama’s victory, Madison Chock and Evan Bates stood as their champions, having claimed gold in Friday’s rhythm dance event. Their strong start bolstered the U.S. Team’s morale heading into Saturday night’s free dance portion.

The Japanese side seemed poised for a historic run. Kaori Sakamoto and Riku Miura, who had clinched world championships titles in pairs skating, complemented Kagiyama’s program with their formidable performances, ensuring Japan’s momentum was strong.

In the shadow of the lingering Russian doping controversy that marred America’s triumph at 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Malinin and Team USA carried a heavy burden. However, Kagiyama’s performance in Milan underscored a team with renewed vigor and determination to reclaim their Olympic crown under the Japanese flag.