Kevin Aymoz Claims Gold at Road to 26 Trophy, Milan Cortina 2026 Figure Skating Test Event
In a thrilling display of skill and resilience, France’s Kevin Aymoz solidified his place on the international figure skating stage by winning the men’s singles event at the Road to 26 Trophy.
This competition serves as a crucial test event for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, taking place in the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Assago, near Milan.
Aymoz’s Dominant Victory
Aymoz totalled 261.07 points, securing the gold medal. In a closely fought battle, his closest competitor was Nikolaj Memola of Italy, who placed second with 254.21 points.
The competition’s intensity was evident in the short program, where Memola emerged the leader. Only a mere 0.09 points separated third and fourth place. Emerging strong from this tight finish was Sota Yamamoto from Japan, who narrowly outperformed two-time Olympian Deniss Vasiljevs of Latvia for the bronze medal. Yamamoto’s total score was 237.47, while Vasiljevs clinched fourth with 226.46 points.
Aymoz’s Emotional Triumph
Aymoz’s victory is particularly significant given his tumultuous 2023/24 season. In a bid to qualify for the World Championships, he withdrew following a disappointing performance at the European Championships.
“I’m really happy with today because my mind changed. I worked a lot in the year to come back, so I’m really, really happy today,” Aymoz expressed after his short program.
Earlier in the season, Aymoz bravely opened up about his struggles in an exclusive interview with Olympics.com. He starkly described the mental strife he endured, stating, “It was only darkness and loneliness; it was really difficult. It was not only me as an athlete; the human inside of me was so down.”
The Road to Recovery
On the day of the competition, Aymoz demonstrated his commitment to his craft with a flawless routine. He commenced with a pristine quadruple toeloop followed by two high-risk triple Axel-jump combinations.
Despite Memola’s strong start, including two quad Lutzes early in his performance, his chances of victory were dashed by several missteps. He stumbled, under-rotated a triple Lutz, and fell on a triple flip, scoring only 165.11 points in the free skate.
“After the European Championships, it was like, ‘You have to work to see what’s inside of you. Who are you? What do you want to do? What’s life?'” Aymoz continued, reflecting on the turning point in his career.
Implications for the Future
This victory underscores the critical importance of mental fortitude in competitive sports. Aymoz’s comeback adds another layer of depth to the field, setting a high bar for future competitions.
The Road to 26 Trophy not only serves as a determining factor for participants in the 2026 Winter Olympics but also highlights the preparation and intense training required for such high-stakes events.
Conclusion
Kevin Aymoz’s triumph is a testament to perseverance and hard work. His journey from adversity to triumph serves as an inspiration not only to fellow athletes but also to fans of the sport and to anyone facing personal challenges.
As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics draw closer, Aymoz’s performance underscores his potential to make a significant impact on the international stage.
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