February 13 Olympic Journal: Ilia Malinin Falls Twice To Finish 8th In Shocking Upset
The February 13 Olympic Journal contains a truth that no one can deny: anything can happen in the Olympics. Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan won the gold medal in Men’s figure skating, and the “Quad God,” Ilia Malinin, fell twice in the long program and finished in eighth place.
Elsewhere, the story was much better for the Americans, who did not medal today. The United States women’s hockey team got its fourth consecutive shutout, beating host Italy 6-0. The American women’s curling team upset the Canadians today in pool play. Do you think they will win a medal?
February 13 Medal Table
The United States did not win any medals on February 12, despite the fact that they were favored to win the gold medal in Men’s figure Skating.
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
| Norway | 8 | 3 | 7 |
| Italy | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| United States | 4 | 7 | 3 |
| France | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Germany | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Sweden | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Switzerland | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Austria | 3 | 6 | 3 |
Shocking Upset in Men’s Figure Skating
Malinin, a 21-year-old junior at George Mason University, was leading the men’s figure skating competition. However, the pressure of being the heavy favorite got to him, and he fell twice in his long program and stumbled otherwise.
This all happened after his main rival, who beat him in the short program of the team competition, Yuma Kagiyama, fell right before Malinin skated. The “Quad God” finished in eighth place on February 12. In a shocking outcome, Shaidorov of Kazakhstan won the gold medal in Men’s figure skating.
In losing, the 21-year-old demonstrated a truism about the Olympics. He said they are unlike any other competition, and they are. The pressure on the young man was extreme, as he was the presumptive favorite in the event, and everyone thought he would win the gold medal. It is a good thing that at such a young age, he will be back in the Olympics.
United States Women’s Ice Hockey Dominates Italy In Quarterfinal Win
The news on February 12 for the United States was much better in other sports. The United States’ women’s ice hockey team beat host Italy 6-0. It was the fourth consecutive shutout for the American women. They seem destined to play Team Canada in the gold medal game. Get ready, that game will be on February 19 at 1:10 pm Italian time.
It is the case that many members of the team are becoming household names. None is more famous than Hillary Knight, who is playing in her fourth Olympics and just tied the career mark for goals scored for an American women’s hockey player. The team is a nice mix of veterans, like Knight, and college players. Because of the youth on this team, the United States will be great for years to come. They should dominate going forward.
American Curling Upsets Canada
The American women’s curling team upset Canada 9-8 in pool play today. Canada is a two-time reigning World Champion. This improved the American record to 2-1 in pool play. The shocking upset gets fans thinking that Corey Thiesse may win a second curling medal after winning a silver medal in the mixed curling competition.
The head American is skipper Tabitha Peterson, who secured the victory over Canada with a clutch draw for two points in the last end. This monumental win marks the first time in Olympic history that the American women have bested their rivals to the north, snapping a 0-8 winless streak against the Canadians on the world’s biggest stage.
Parting Shots
February 12 proved to be a shocking day for the United States. Heavy gold medal favorite, Malinin, was in the lead following the short program, but faltered in the long program. American team sports, however, did well. The US women’s hockey team earned its fourth shutout in a row after blanking host Italy. Also, the US women’s curling team had a big upset.
