Overview
- Malinin posted 108.16 in the short program to lead the field, with Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama at 103.07 and France’s Adam Siao Him Fa at 102.55.
- He is scheduled to skate last at 4:48 p.m. ET on Friday, based on the start order determined by short‑program results.
- Reports from Thursday’s practice say he landed a quad Axel, though only a judged competition attempt can be ratified for scoring and legacy.
- He helped the U.S. secure team gold after executing the first legal Olympic backflip since 1976 under the ISU’s 2024 rule change, a spectacle element that adds no base points but can bolster components.
- Malinin has said he will only attempt his highest‑risk elements if he feels confident and healthy, calling his short program “autopilot” and hinting at new content for the free skate.