2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Single Figure Skating Preview

Last Updated on February 6, 2026 3:28 pm by Erwin Noguera

The Men’s single figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina is set to be one of the marquee competitions of the Games.

As the Olympic spotlight turns to Italy, the men’s singles field features a blend of technical innovation, elite consistency, and proven championship pedigree.

The competition brings together reigning world champions, Olympic veterans, and emerging stars, all competing across the short program and free skate for Olympic gold.

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2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Single Skating Betting Odds and Info.

2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Single Skating Event Format

The Olympic men’s singles competition unfolds in two stages: the short program and the free skate.

The short program emphasizes required elements, clean execution, and precision under pressure. Meanwhile, the free skate allows skaters to showcase maximum technical difficulty, including multiple quadruple jumps, while balancing artistry and endurance.

Scoring is cumulative, meaning consistency across both segments is essential. One major error can quickly eliminate medal hopes, making risk management a defining factor in the title race.

2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Single Top Contenders

Ilia Malinin enters Milano-Cortina as the clear favorite to win Olympic gold in men’s singles figure skating.Widely regarded as the most technically advanced skater in the world, Malinin is the only athlete to land a quadruple Axel in international competition successfully, a skill that has fundamentally shifted the sport’s scoring ceiling.

Malinin arrives at the Olympics as a two-time World Champion, with dominant performances throughout 2025. His ability to combine elite jump content with improving presentation scores separates him from the rest of the field. When he skates clean programs, his base value alone creates a decisive advantage.

Yuma Kagiyama stands as the primary challenger to Malinin in the men’s singles event. Ranked among the top skaters in the ISU World Standings, Kagiyama brings a reputation for consistency, musical interpretation, and strong technical fundamentals.

Unlike some high-risk competitors, Kagiyama’s strength lies in execution quality and reliability. His programs typically feature multiple clean quadruple jumps, high component scores, and minimal deductions, making him a strong candidate for silver or gold if Malinin falters.

France’s Adam Siao Him Fa has quietly established himself as one of the most complete skaters in the field. His recent international results confirm his ability to challenge for a podium position, particularly when he delivers clean programs under pressure.

Siao Him Fa combines solid jump technique with strong skating skills and choreography, giving him realistic medal potential in a competition where execution may outweigh pure difficulty for the remaining podium spots.

Competing on home ice, Matteo Rizzo represents Italy’s best hope in men’s singles figure skating. Rizzo has produced strong results at European Championships and ISU events, and his familiarity with Olympic-level pressure positions him as a potential dark horse.

While his technical content does not match the very top contenders, clean skates and home support could elevate him into medal contention if others make mistakes.

2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Single Podium Pick