Ilia Malinin could not overcome negative thoughts and mistakes Friday, costing him a figure skating gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

American figure skater Ilia Malinin said overconfidence led to a poor performance and missed podium for the men's singles favorite Friday in Milan.

American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin fell twice in a disastrous free skate that sent him tumbling all the way off the podium at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Friday night, allowing Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan to claim a stunning gold medal.

Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan takes home the men's figure skating gold medal in the biggest shock of the 2026 Winter Olympics so far, as heavy favourite Ilia Malinin of USA ends up finishing in eighth place after twice falling in his free skate routine.

American sensation "Quad God" Ilia Malinin fell twice in a disastrous free skate on Friday night, allowing Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan to claim a stunning gold medal.

The 21-year-old was trying to fight back tears after one of the worst nights of his career, one that left a star-packed crowd inside Milano Ice Arena sitting in stunned silence.

If you've been watching the Winter Olympics, you already know the "Quad God." And yes — the star soaring over the ice is one of ours. Why it matters: Ilia Malinin goes for individual gold Friday in the men's free skate,

US star Ilia Malinin suffered the biggest upset of the Winter Olympics on Friday as the overwhelming favourite for the men's figure skating title fell twice to finish off the podium, with Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan taking a surprise gold.