The United States secured the top spot on the podium at the Milano Cortina Games, with Ilia Malinin leading them to victory over Japan. The thrilling team competition also saw Italy clinch the bronze medal.
In the men’s free skate, the U.S. and Japan were neck and neck. Despite a few errors, Malinin’s performance was enough to help the U.S. claim their second consecutive Olympic team title.
Malinin had planned to execute seven quads but ended up doing only five, with some imperfect landings. However, he managed to salvage his program with impressive quad jumps.
Although Malinin’s score was lower than his best, it was still sufficient to outperform Japan’s Shun Sato, securing victory for the U.S. with 69 points compared to Japan’s 68 points. Italy finished with the bronze medal, earning 60 points.
JAPAN’S IMPRESSIVE COMEBACK
Japan made a stunning comeback on the final day of the team competition, matching the U.S. in points after remarkable performances by Riku Miura, Ryuichi Kihara, and Kaori Sakamoto.
The Japanese pairs champions wowed the judges with their program, earning a season’s best score. Sakamoto also delivered a mesmerizing performance, topping the women’s free skate.
Despite a shaky start by American skater Amber Glenn, Japan managed to catch up to the U.S. before the final men’s free skate.
Ultimately, Malinin’s performance sealed the deal for the U.S., securing their gold medal. He is now a strong contender for the individual event as well.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll and Lori Ewing in Milan; Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
