18 Year Old Ice Phenom Ilia Malinin: Ilia Malinin, the sensational figure skater, successfully defended his Skate America title in a spectacular performance, achieving a remarkable personal-best score of 310.47 points during the season-opening Grand Prix.
At just 18 years old, Malinin made history last year by executing the first-ever quadruple axel in a competitive event. He maintained his reign, claiming the title he first captured as a 17-year-old in 2022, becoming the youngest men’s champion in the event’s storied history.
Malinin’s free skate, set to the theme music from the popular TV show “Succession,” featured an impressive four quad jumps. The electrifying performance culminated in an enthusiastic crowd showering the ice at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas, with plush toys. This outstanding score surpassed his previous best overall score of 288.44, achieved at this year’s World Championships, where he secured the bronze medal. Only three other male skaters have ever achieved scores higher than Malinin’s new personal best.
In a post-performance interview with Olympics.com, an elated Malinin expressed his feelings, saying, “I have no words. This was a completely amazing experience for me. I wasn’t expecting to skate this well, especially with the pressure that I was facing. I was ready to stay on my feet and fight for everything.”
Malinin, known for his daring quadruple axel, opted not to include this highly challenging move in his routine, which involves four-and-a-half revolutions in the air, transitioning from a forward-facing takeoff to a backward-facing landing.
In the final standings, France’s Kevin Aymoz secured the silver medal, with Japan’s Shun Sato taking home the bronze.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Can Ilia Malinin speak Russian?
Malinin is a graduate of George C. Marshall High School, where he excelled in physics. He is currently pursuing his passion for dance at the School of Dance, George Mason University, while also taking online math classes. Fluent in both English and Russian, Malinin is a versatile individual with a diverse skill set.
Did Ilia Malinin win?
Ilia Malinin emerged victorious at the Grand Prix Final 2023, defeating two-time world champion Uno Shoma for the first time. Despite a fall on his quad Axel during the free skate, the American teenager bounced back and landed five quads, securing his biggest career title yet. The podium was completed by Japan’s Uno and Kagiyama Yuma, who finished in second and third place respectively.
Is it too late to start ice skating at 18?
Skating is a timeless activity that can be enjoyed at any age. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always room for improvement and fun on the ice. Don’t let age hold you back from experiencing the thrill of gliding across the rink. Lace up your skates and embrace the joy of skating today!