Ilia Malinin of the United States etched his name into figure skating history on Saturday night by claiming his first world title at the tender age of 19. The young prodigy stunned audiences and judges alike at the World Figure Skating Championships, delivering a breathtaking performance that culminated in a world-record free skate score of 227.79 points.
In a display of both technical prowess and artistic expression, Malinin executed six quadruple jumps, including the rarely seen quad Axel. This achievement makes him only the second man ever, after fellow American and Olympic champion Nathan Chen, to land six quads in a single program.
Falling onto his back in joyous celebration at the end of his routine, Malinin’s emotion was palpable. "It’s a dream come true," he said. "I’ve worked so hard for this moment, and to see it all come together is incredible."
As the figure skating community looks ahead to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Malinin has firmly established himself as a front-runner. His groundbreaking performance not only raises the bar for technical difficulty but also inspires a new generation of skaters worldwide.
The significance of Malinin’s victory resonates beyond the rink. For aspiring athletes across Asia and the globe, his success story underscores the impact of dedication and innovation in sports. With figure skating’s popularity growing in Asian countries, many young skaters may find inspiration in Malinin’s achievements to push the boundaries of the sport even further.
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Malinin wins 1st world figure skating title with six quad jumps
cgtn.com