Ilia Malinin, a 19-year-old student from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, made history at the World Figure Skating Championships on Saturday by winning the men’s individual competition with a stunning performance that included six quadruple jumps, including a quadruple axel.
Malinin’s performance was set to the theme song of the popular HBO series “Succession,” adding an extra layer of drama to his routine. Despite not having watched the show, Malinin chose the music to skate to last fall and worked with choreographer Shae-Lynn Bourne to create a program that would showcase his incredible skills.
His performance, which earned him the highest score ever in a free skate program, showcased his ability to execute difficult jumps with precision and grace. Malinin’s coaches, who happen to be his parents and former Olympic skaters, have been instrumental in his training and development as a skater.
Looking ahead, Malinin expressed interest in attempting a quintuple jump, a feat that has never been accomplished in competition. With his determination and drive to push the boundaries of the sport, Malinin is poised to continue making waves in the world of figure skating.
Stay tuned as this young skater continues to defy expectations and inspire audiences with his incredible talent and dedication to his craft.
