US Olympic Figure Skating 2026 Predictions for Men's Free Skate Final

The Olympic gold medal will be awarded Friday at the conclusion of the Men's Free Skate Final, which will see Ilia Malinin attempt to add to a dazzling resume and reputation as the world's best in his sport.

The Virginian-born skater is one of three Americans in the final and the competitor who bested him earlier in the games, Yuma Kagiyama of Japan, will also battle for the gold medal, hopeful that he can upset Malinin for the second time.

Who will take home the gold and when can viewers tune in to see the high-stakes event?

Find out with this preview of Friday's showdown.

Viewing Information

Tang Xinyu/VCG via Getty Images

Date: Friday, February 13

Time: 1:00 p.m. EST

Location: Milano Ice Skating Arena in Assago, Milan

TV: USA

Streaming: Peacock

Prediction

Tim Clayton/Getty Images

Friday will bring with it further recognition of Ilia Malinin's excellence on the ice with a second gold medal triumph in Milano Cortina.

Malinin overcame early disappointment, including a second-place finish to Japan's Yuma Kagiyama in the short program in the team event, to stun voters and earn the United States gold.

He appeared to shake off whatever pressure was on him and his country in that skate, reminding the viewing audience of who the greatest skater in the world is.

Malinin enters Friday's event with a five-point lead over Kagiyama and barring catastrophe or an uncharacteristically bad performance, Malinin will have the opportunity to skate worry-free, a gold medal in view.

Kagiyama pulled out two quad jumps to best Malinin before and any arrogance or preconceived notions that the battle between the two will be a cake walk could cost the Virginian an Olympic title that most had figured he would win long before he arrived in Italy for the 2026 games.

If he pulls out another outstanding skate that showcases his flare, athleticism, and showmanship, with the very quad jump that earned him the nickname of "Quad God," Malinin should win this one skating away.

Prediction: Malinin wins the gold, Kagiyama the silver