Young American sensation Ilia Malinin makes history with quadruple axel to clinch inaugural World Figure Skating championship
In the realm of figure skating, attempting and conquering the quadruple axel has remained an elusive dream for many. Ilia Malinin, a rising star from America, shattered records with his flawless performance, achieving what seemed impossible for generations of skaters.
For most figure skaters, landing a quadruple axel is considered impossible, attempted but never achieved by many great skaters.
However, American teenage prodigy Ilia Malinin makes it look easy. He landed a quadruple axel on Saturday, leading him to his first world title after a record-breaking performance in the free skate at the World Figure Skating Championship.
The 19-year-old, known as the 'quad god', was in third place after the short program on Thursday. He shared with reporters that he faced physical and mental challenges leading up to the world championships.
On Saturday, he had the final spot to compete in the free skate. He delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 227.79, the highest score ever recorded in this competition. Overwhelmed with emotion, he collapsed onto the ice.
"It means a lot to me," Malinin expressed to the International Skating Union. "The past few weeks have been really tough mentally and physically.
"I was unsure if I should even come here. It was a last-minute decision, but I wanted to see how I would perform on the ice. I'm really happy to be in this position now."
Ilia Malinin won his first world title.
Ilia Malinin won his first world title.
Malinin, skating to music from the TV series "Succession," amazed the crowd by starting his free skate with a quadruple axel. He then went on to land five more quad jumps, leaving the audience in disbelief.
He remains the sole individual to successfully execute the quadruple axel. He clinched victory with an impressive lead of 24 points, surpassing Japan’s Kagiyama Yuma in the runner-up position and France’s Adam Siao Him Fa in third place, who notably climbed from 19th place following the short program.
Malinin shared, according to the Olympics, that he heard a small voice in his head encouraging him to keep fighting and pushing forward, reminding him of his capabilities.
Following this inspiring moment, Malinin secured the US's second gold medal at the World Championships. This victory came after Madison Chock and Evan Bates claimed the first gold in ice dance earlier on Saturday.
Editor's P/S:
Ilia Malinin's historic achievement is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. His ability to overcome adversity and deliver a record-breaking performance under immense pressure is truly remarkable. His triumph not only marks a significant milestone in figure skating but also serves as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.
Furthermore, Malinin's success highlights the importance of mental strength and self-belief in achieving one's goals. His acknowledgment of the challenges he faced prior to the competition demonstrates the immense mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level. By sharing his experiences, he empowers others to persevere through their own obstacles and strive for greatness. reminds us of the power of the human spirit and encourages us to strive for greatness, no matter the challenges we face.
