Kurt Browning has weighed in following Ilia Malinin’s surprising Olympic defeat — and his comments are stirring debate across the skating world. The Canadian legend didn’t hold back when discussing the scoring, suggesting the performance may have deserved stronger marks.
In a recent statement, Browning said he believes Malinin skated with a level of quality that should have been reflected more clearly in the final scores. While he stopped short of alleging wrongdoing, he acknowledged that judging in high-pressure events can be complex and, at times, controversial.
He also emphasized how difficult it is for athletes to deliver under Olympic pressure, noting that scoring decisions often come down to fine margins in both technical execution and component evaluation.
Browning’s remarks have reignited ongoing conversations about transparency and consistency in figure skating judging — a topic that frequently resurfaces after close or unexpected results.
Fans remain divided. Some see his comments as validation of concerns about scoring standards, while others point out that Olympic results are determined by a full judging panel under established ISU rules.
For now, the official standings remain unchanged. But Browning’s perspective has ensured that discussion surrounding Malinin’s performance — and the judging process itself — is far from over.
