Yuma Kagiyama performing quad jump at Olympic figure skating competition
Quad God Gets Dethroned: Japan's Yuma Kagiyama Stuns Ilia Malinin in Olympic Showdown
The "Quad God" just got knocked off his throne. Ilia Malinin, the 21-year-old American figure skating prodigy, watched in shock as Japan's Yuma Kagiyama delivered a performance that left the crowd — and Malinin — absolutely stunned.
[IMAGE_1]The Battle That Shook the Ice
Kagiyama didn't just beat Malinin — he demolished him. Landing a pair of near-perfect quad jumps and scoring 108.67 points in the short program, the Japanese skater toppled the two-time world champion by a whopping 10-point margin. Malinin, who's been unbeaten in his last 14 competitions, could only muster 98.00 points.
"That's only 50% of my full potential here," Malinin said, a hint of frustration in his voice. The skater known for his Instagram handle "Quad God" seemed anything but divine on Saturday night.
A Family Legacy on Ice
Malinin's skating isn't just a personal journey — it's a family tradition. With parents who were Olympic figure skaters for Uzbekistan and a grandfather who skated for the USSR, he's been on ice since he was six. His gold medals in the 2024 and 2025 World Championships seemed to promise Olympic glory.
[IMAGE_2]Team USA: Fighting for Redemption
The Americans aren't just competing — they're on a mission of revenge. The 2022 Beijing Games left a bitter taste, with a Russian doping scandal holding their gold medals hostage for over two years. Madison Chock and Evan Bates finally got their moment of triumph during the 2024 Paris Olympics, and now they're hungry for more.
Their free dance — a flamenco-styled performance set to "Paint It Black" from "Westworld" — electrified the arena. With a season-best score of 133.23 points, they gave Team USA a much-needed boost.
The Global Stakes
This isn't just a competition. It's a geopolitical chess match on ice. The U.S. and Japan are neck and neck, with 44 and 39 points respectively. Bronze is up for grabs, with Italy, Canada, and Georgia fighting tooth and nail for that final podium spot.
[IMAGE_3]Kagiyama: The Rival Who Wants to Catch the Quad God
Kagiyama isn't just competing — he's paying homage. "I always receive good motivation from Ilia," he said. "He's a good jumper, and he can do quads, so I always think that I want to catch him."
The Bottom Line
The Olympic team figure skating competition is a war of inches, jumps, and pure willpower. Malinin might have the "Quad God" nickname, but on this night, Kagiyama was the true deity of the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Ilia Malinin?A: A 21-year-old American figure skater known for his quad jumps, two-time world champion, and holder of the only quad axel landed in competition.
Q: What happened in the short program?A: Yuma Kagiyama beat Malinin by 10 points, scoring 108.67 compared to Malinin's 98.00.
Q: What are the current team standings?A: The U.S. leads with 44 points, Japan is close behind with 39 points. Italy, Canada, and Georgia are battling for bronze.
[IMAGE_4] [META_DESCRIPTION] Olympic figure skating drama unfolds as Japan's Yuma Kagiyama shocks Ilia Malinin, challenging Team USA's gold medal hopes in a heart-stopping performance. TAGS: ["Sports", "US News", "World News"]
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