The 2026 Winter Olympics figure skating events had many memorable moments, both good and bad. From unfair overscoring to surprising comebacks, this year’s figure skating was anything but boring.

Maxim Naumov’s tribute to tragic deaths

USA figure skater Maxim Naumov placed 20th in the men’s figure skating event. When the camera panned to him after his performance, he held up and kissed a photo of his parents and former coaches who tragically passed away in the plane crash in January of last year. 

Naumov dedicated his performance to his parents and, in numerous interviews, said that he could feel his parents’ presence on the ice and could feel them guiding him. 

The plane crash took so many lives that were important to the figure skating community, and seeing even just two of the victims get recognized made this moment important.

The Quad God’s fall from grace

America’s Ilia Malinin was a top contender for the men’s figure skating gold medal, but in a devastating turn of events, he placed eighth instead. The tears and emotions that followed were almost too much to bear. 

Despite being in second after the short program and expected to rise to first, Malinin failed to complete four of his quads, only landing three, earning him a 156.33 in the free skate. Compared to his highest free skate score, a 228.97, and his planned amount of quads, seven, this was the biggest upset in the event. 

However, it’s important to note that five out of the six final athletes in the free skate suffered falls, raising questions about the quality of the ice. There were complaints of the ice being too “soft” and “slushy” from athletes, likely due to the rink being used for other sports that require different ice temperatures.

Although his competition performance was disappointing, Malinin’s gala skate was powerful and well-executed. Malinin skated to “Fear” by NF in a hoodie and designer jeans. His piece demonstrated the pressures of being an Olympic athlete and showed the normal person behind the well-known “Quad God.” 

Home turf medal makes history

Italy won bronze in the team event in a home-turf victory, marking the country’s return to the Olympic skating podium after 12 years of no medals in the sport. The medal was Italy’s third-ever medal in figure skating. 

The bronze also contributed to the record-breaking number of Olympic medals that Italy won, 30, which exceeded their previous record of 20 by 10 medals. 

The team included Daniel Grassl, Matteo Rizzo, Lara Naki Gutmann, Sara Conti and Niccolò Macii, Rebecca Ghilardi and Filippo Ambrosini, and Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri. 

Matteo Rizzo’s bronze-earning performance in the team event was vital to the success of the team.

French gold shrouded in controversy

French pair ice dancers Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron won gold in the ice dancing competition, but did they earn it?

Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron were already disliked coming into the Olympics for separate allegations made against Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry’s former skating partner and current boyfriend; however, the controversies only increased after their performances.

When the pair won gold over American veterans Madison Chock and Evan Bates, suspicions arose. Despite Chock and Bates’ near-perfect performances, they lost to the French couple who had multiple mistakes, especially Cizeron’s step-out in the twizzles.

According to CNN.com, “the French judge favored the French skaters by nearly eight points in the free dance, while five of the nine judges favored the American team. The other three that gave top marks to Beaudry and Cizeron did so by a slim margin.”

Although the American pair chose not to appeal the results, the question remains whether the French couple actually deserved the gold medal.

It’s comeback season for some figure skaters

USA figure skater Amber Glenn had a disappointing short program in the individual event, landing her in 13th place before the free skate. But, in a surprising turn of events, she placed 5th overall after a season-best free skate. 

Another comeback story comes from Japanese pair figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who were the favorite for gold coming into the Olympics, but were in fifth after the short program. However, in an unexpected twist, the pair scored an astounding 158.13, a career-best for the pair, in the free skate, earning them 231.24 total points, earning them their gold medal.

Although they were consistent in their performances, Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier had troubles of their own leading up to the Games. When, in the midst of their career as a pair, Gilles was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the two struggled to bounce back; however, they defied the odds by effortlessly earning a bronze.

Alyssa Liu’s return to Olympic ice

Despite retiring in 2022, America’s Alyssa Liu returned to figure skating and earned gold in the women’s figure skating event. Liu performed clean and energetic skates throughout the competition.

Liu’s positivity makes her stand out from her competitors. Unlike other skaters, Liu appears comfortable and happy on the ice. Liu made it clear when she came out of retirement that she would not let anyone control what she eats or how she trains, which is likely the reason behind her newfound attitude toward the sport.

Kaori Sakamoto’s bittersweet goodbye

Japanese figure skater Kaori Sakamoto placed second in the individual women’s figure skating event. Sakamoto was a top contender for gold and was understandably emotional when it was revealed that she earned silver.

Despite her initial disappointment, Sakamoto showed great sportsmanship when she congratulated and celebrated Liu’s win. Ice skating veteran Sakamoto is retiring from competition this season, so this was her last Olympics.

Sakamoto also performed in the figure skating gala in a skate to “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman.” Her performance was filled with various moves from her past routines, encapsulating her whole career.

Underdog Mikhail Shaidorov’s panda-themed celebration

With upsets in the men’s figure skating, Kazakhstani underdog Mikhail Shaidorov won gold. His joy-filled and surprised reaction brought a happy mood to a heartbreaking event.

Shaidorov skated in the gala in a panda costume inspired by the “Kung Fu Panda” movies. His performance was entertaining and surprisingly impressive since he was wearing a heavy costume. At the end of his routine, Shaidorov was greeted by Jackie Chan holding out stuffed animal pandas.

Overall, all of the athletes showed great sportsmanship even when upset. The hugs and congratulations between the Olympic athletes made the event even more memorable.