Full Breakdown
Ilia Malinin Dominates at U.S. Figure Skating Championships
1/10/2026, 4:55:11 AM
Stellar Performance Sets the Stage for Olympic Selection
At the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in St. Louis, Missouri, Ilia Malinin, the reigning two-time world champion, delivered a remarkable short program that solidified his status as a favorite for the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics. The 21-year-old, often referred to as the "Quad God," achieved a personal-best score of 115.10 points, placing him a commanding 25 points ahead of his closest competitor, Tomoki Hiwatashi, who scored 89.26 points. Jason Brown followed in third with 88.49 points.
Malinin's performance was characterized by his execution of multiple quadruple jumps, including a quad flip and a quad lutz-triple toe loop combination, which showcased his technical prowess. He expressed his surprise at the outcome, stating, "I didn't know I was able to skate that good. I felt good and everything seemed to flow really well." His routine, choreographed to music from the video game "Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown," captivated the audience, culminating in a backflip and his signature "raspberry twist."
Background and Context: A Journey to the Top
Malinin's rise in figure skating has been meteoric. After being overlooked for the Olympic team in 2022 due to his age and inexperience, he has since dominated the competitive scene, remaining unbeaten in major events since December 2023. His groundbreaking achievement includes being the first skater to successfully land a quadruple axel, a jump once deemed impossible.
Official Statements & Responses
The U.S. Figure Skating team will officially announce its Olympic roster on Sunday, with Malinin's inclusion considered a certainty. The competition for the remaining two spots is fierce, with Hiwatashi and Brown among the leading contenders. Malinin's coach, Mie Hamada, praised his performance, highlighting the importance of the supportive atmosphere in the arena.
Criticism & Opposition: The Promotion Controversy
Despite the excitement surrounding Malinin's performance, the event was not without controversy. The promotional strategy linking Malinin's costume to NBC's upcoming film "How to Train Your Dragon" drew mixed reactions. While some viewed the stuffed dragons thrown onto the ice as a fun tribute, others criticized it as a marketing gimmick. Malinin himself was unaware of the promotional plan, stating, "I was definitely surprised with that. That was definitely not my plan at all."
What's Next: Olympic Aspirations
As the championships conclude with the free skate, all eyes will be on Malinin as he aims for his fourth consecutive national title and a spot on the Olympic team. The competition remains tight for the other two men's spots, with Maxim Naumov and Andrew Torgashev also in contention. The stakes are high as the athletes prepare for the Olympic figure skating team competition in Milan next month.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I came here with new skates [and] thought I was going to play it safe, but I really impressed myself.” — Ilia Malinin
- “This environment was incredible,” — Ilia Malinin
- “I did not expect that. That was not my plan at all. I was just as surprised as you,” — Ilia Malinin on the stuffed dragons.
- “Every time I perform this program, it's truly like a love note to the audience,” — Jason Brown
In summary, Ilia Malinin's outstanding performance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships not only positions him as a frontrunner for Olympic gold but also highlights the evolving landscape of figure skating, where athleticism and entertainment intertwine.
