Malinin, Kagiyama, and Naumov Set for Thrilling Men's Figure Skating Free Skate at Winter Olympics 2026

Top contenders battle for Olympic gold in Milan as figure skating competition reaches its climax.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the men's figure skating event at the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan. After a dazzling short program on February 10, the world's elite skaters are ready to chase Olympic glory. Among the top contenders are Ilia Malinin (USA), Yuma Kagiyama (JPN), and Maxim Naumov (USA), with Malinin currently leading the pack.

Why it matters

Men's figure skating is one of the marquee events at the Winter Olympics, and this year's competition is shaping up to be a close and exciting battle between some of the sport's biggest stars. The outcome could have a significant impact on the legacies of the athletes involved and the future direction of the sport.

The details

The men's free skate program will be held on Friday, February 13, at 19:00 CET (1:00 PM ET) at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, and will run until approximately 23:15 CET. Malinin is expected to compete around 4:45 PM ET, Kagiyama around 4:30 PM ET, and Naumov in the mid- to late group. Malinin, the current world champion, leads Kagiyama by 5 points after the short program, but the competition is expected to be close, with Adam Siao Him Fa (France) and Daniel Graasl (Italy) also in contention for the podium.

  • The men's free skate program will be held on Friday, February 13, at 19:00 CET (1:00 PM ET).
  • The competition is expected to run until approximately 23:15 CET.

The players

Ilia Malinin

A 21-year-old American figure skater who is the current world champion and the frontrunner for Olympic gold in Milan.

Yuma Kagiyama

A 19-year-old Japanese figure skater who finished second behind Malinin in the short program and is looking to secure his first Olympic gold medal.

Maxim Naumov

A 22-year-old American figure skater who finished 14th in the short program and will be looking to improve his standing in the free skate.

Adam Siao Him Fa

A French figure skater who finished third in the short program and is in contention for an Olympic medal.

Daniel Graasl

An Italian figure skater who finished fourth in the short program and is also in the mix for a podium finish.

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What they’re saying

“I felt really comfortable today. I definitely wanted to take a different approach as opposed to the team event. I think I just went out there and that [feeling of] Olympic atmosphere really blew me away… I got maybe a little too excited. Now that I've gotten three performances under Olympic ice, I think that I've really tamed the Olympic ice.”

— Ilia Malinin

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.