Based on the results of the men’s short program, and everything we saw during the team competition, we most likely cannot lose tomorrow. And by “we” I mean, not the U.S.A., but viewers. Ilia Malinin nailed it down much tighter than he did a few days ago, and he’s five points clear of Yuma Kagiyama after he stepped out of a triple axel. But let’s say Ilia whiffs and Yuma skates out of his skin, and wins. Could anyone be upset?
He is a gorgeous skater. Ilia is madly talented and powerful, but has a hideous costume and can veer workmanlike in his performances. Yuma has a fair few jumps himself, artistic magic, and personal magnetism and pure joy.