“HE CHEATED!” Seconds after Japan lost to the United States in the team figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama, his face red with anger, pointed the finger at Ilia Malinin and loudly accused the American star of deliberately recreating a jump that has been banned for half a century, calling on the Olympic Council and organizers to immediately launch an urgent investigation.
Only 5 minutes later, in front of dozens of cameras, Giovanni Malagò slowly raised his head, with a cold and icy smile on his face, and uttered exactly 15 words as sharp as knives. The entire stadium exploded into chaos, while Yuma Kagiyama remained motionless, his face devoid of color, in front of millions of sports fans watching him from all over Italy…
The Milan Cortina arena fell into silence while Yuma Kagiyama, silver medalist in the team competition, pointed the finger at Ilia Malinin. His face was red with anger. Seconds after Japan’s heartbreaking one-point loss to the United States in the team figure skating competition, the Japanese star made a sensational accusation.
Kagiyama said the American phenom had deliberately performed a jump that had been banned for nearly half a century. It called on the International Olympic Committee and the event’s organizers to immediately launch an emergency investigation. The riot caused a sensation at the event location and involved millions of spectators around the world.
The controversial element was the backward somersault. Banned since 1976 for safety reasons and for its unconventional landing, the movement was only recently legalized by the International Skating Union. Malinin, nicknamed the “Quad God,” executed it flawlessly during the team competition, helping secure the gold for Team USA.
Five minutes later, tensions reached fever pitch again. Giovanni Malagò, president of CONI, slowly raised his head in front of a battery of cameras. A cold smile formed on his lips as he uttered exactly fifteen words: “We will review every aspect of this performance according to the official rules, without exception.” Chaos instantly erupted in the stadium. Viewers screamed in confusion as the global audience reacted in real time. Kagiyama remained still, his face now pale as a ghost.
The dramatic scene unfolded in front of millions of people, including sports fans tuning in from across Italy and beyond. This heated clash highlights the deep rivalry between two generational talents. Malinin has redefined men’s figure skating with unprecedented quadruple jumps and now with this historic backflip. Kagiyama, the 2022 Olympic silver medalist, had even surpassed him in the men’s short program of the team event, but saw the final victory slip away. The return of the backflip to the competition marks an important change in the rules.
Banned for decades due to its danger and deviation from traditional one-foot landings, it has been reintroduced starting in the 2024-2025 season. Malinin was the first to perform it legally in the Olympics, turning a banned move into a potential game-changer. Kagiyama’s accusation suggests that even the newly permitted elements deserve stricter supervision. Its supporters argue that pushing the limits too far could compromise the fairness of the sport and the safety of athletes.
They insist that the execution must be carefully scrutinized both to the letter and in the spirit of the updated rules. Malinin’s defenders counter that all elements were performed and judged according to current International Skating Union standards. They view the claims as an emotional reaction from a disappointed competitor who came painfully close to causing a major surprise for Japan. The IOC has already acknowledged the accusation. Officials confirmed they will review video footage, judging protocols and technical compliance.
A spokesperson stressed that preserving the integrity of the Olympic competition remains the top priority during these Games in Italy. Social media platforms exploded with debate. Hashtags relating to the incident quickly gained traction, with fans, former skaters and analysts speaking out from all corners of the world. Many praised Malinin’s innovation, while others questioned whether the rule changes had been implemented too hastily. Figure skating has seen similar controversies in the past. New jumps or scoring changes often spark heated discussions about fairness.
Past debates have ultimately led to improvements that have strengthened the sport, though rarely have they played out with so much emotion on the Olympic stage. As the men’s individual competition continues, Malinin maintains a strong lead after the short program. Kagiyama remains within striking distance and still has realistic medal hopes. The persistent accusation now adds intense psychological pressure to both athletes ahead of the free skate. Malagò’s measured statement reflects the careful diplomacy required as a representative of the host nation.
Italy prides itself on staging flawless Games and any hint of unresolved scandal could overshadow the celebration of athletic excellence. Sources within the Japanese delegation describe Kagiyama’s reaction as motivated by deep frustration. After dominating the short program segment, the narrow team defeat and Malinin’s spectacular elements left him visibly shaken and in doubt about the outcome. Malinin, for his part, remained focused in public comments. He reiterated his commitment to offering the best possible performance, avoiding for the moment to directly address the controversy.
His composure under pressure has long been a hallmark of his career. The incident attracted attention far beyond specialized figure skating circles. In Italy, national media coverage has mixed local pride in the organization of the Games with calls for complete transparency in the investigative process. This episode highlights the enormous stakes that athletes face at the Olympics. A single routine can define legacies, ignite national pride or spark international controversies that dominate headlines for days. Technical experts continue to analyze the backflip in question.
They examine the rotation, the quality of the landing and compliance with the new guidelines to determine if any infringement has occurred. The figure skating community now anxiously awaits the official results. The outcome could validate Malinin’s breakthrough performance as a milestone of progress or force further regulatory clarifications that define the future direction of the sport. For now, all eyes remain on the ice. Both Kagiyama and Malinin prepare for their next performances, knowing that their intense rivalry has reached dramatic new heights.
The 2026 Winter Olympics have provided some unforgettable moments, and this controversy could prove to be among the most memorable.
