American figure skater Ilia Malinin has won his second straight world title, solidifying his position as the best in the sport. The 20-year-old achieved a record-tying six quadruple jumps in his free skate to secure the gold medal with a score of 318.56.
Malinin’s dominance was evident throughout the competition, and he continued this trend by landing a quadruple flip and quad Axel, two elements that have proven challenging for even the most skilled athletes. His performance also featured a seemingly effortless backflip, which he shared with French skater Adam Siao Him Fa, marking only the second time this move has been landed at a world championships in nearly 50 years.
Malinin’s success is not without controversy. He was left off the US Olympic team in 2022, despite finishing second at nationals. However, his recent performances have redefined the technical ceiling of the sport, and he continues to raise the bar for others to follow.
The event marked a historic weekend for Team USA, who secured three of the four gold medals on offer for the first time ever at a figure skating worlds. The US women’s champion, Alysa Liu, and ice dance winners Madison Chock and Evan Bates also topped the podium, solidifying their dominance in the sport.
With Malinin set to compete in next year’s Winter Olympics in Milan, it is clear that he will be a strong contender for gold. His margin of victory was the second-largest in men’s history under the modern scoring system, showcasing his exceptional skill and artistry on the ice.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/mar/29/ilia-malinin-figure-skating-world-championships