U.S. figure skating star Ilia Malinin lands record 7 quadruple jumps to win 3rd straight Grand Prix Final
Ilia Malinin of the United States, widely known as “The Quad God,” showcased his remarkable talent at the Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan, capturing his third consecutive title and establishing himself as a frontrunner for the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. After a disappointing third place in the short program, Malinin made history by becoming the first athlete to successfully land seven quadruple jumps in a single competition, achieving a stunning free skate score of 238.24 points and an overall total of 332.29 points.
“This is one of the best skates I’ve ever had,” Malinin expressed. “I felt I had to fight for every element, and it brought me joy to perform in front of the enthusiastic Japanese crowd.” Among his impressive quad repertoire were standout jumps like the quadruple axel and a quad loop.
In preparation for the competition, Malinin had set his sights on landing six quads, but exceeded expectations. “The Grand Prix Final is a stage for innovation, and I wanted to explore what’s achievable as I gear up for the Olympics,” he said. “So, I decided to go all out.”
Meanwhile, Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, the 2022 Olympic silver medalist, finished strong, securing the silver medal with a total of 302.41 points, followed closely by compatriot Shun Sato who claimed bronze with 292.08 points. Malinin has now gone over two years without losing a competition and holds the titles of two-time and reigning world champion alongside three-time Grand Prix Final champion.
Reflecting on his victory, Malinin stated, “This win is a significant confidence boost as I head toward my Olympic debut in February.” His insight into preparation resonates with skaters worldwide as they prepare for the Winter Games.
In the women’s competition, U.S. world champion Alysa Liu delivered a commendable performance, finishing third in the free skate but clinching gold with an overall score of 222.49 points. Liu noted, “It gives me confidence in my stamina and consistency,” although she is aware that competition remains fierce as the Olympics approach.
Japan’s Ami Nakai took silver while three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto rounded out the medals in third. The unpredictability of the upcoming Olympic Games was further highlighted by the decision of the International Skating Union to allow Russian athletes to compete as neutrals in various disciplines.
In the ice dance category, Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States continued their dominance, winning their third consecutive Grand Prix Final title with a season-best score of 131.68 in the free skate. They achieved a total score of 220.42, establishing them as gold medal favorites going into the Olympics.
“There are numerous positives we can carry forward into this season’s latter half,” said Chock. “Competing among the world’s elite is always a privilege, and we are eager to advance.”
