US Skater Ilia Malinin Sets Record with Seven Quadruple Jumps, Wins Third Straight Grand Prix Title
Ilia Malinin, known for his mastery of quadruple jumps, continued to showcase his incredible skills at the recent Grand Prix Final. The American skater not only won the gold medal but also set a new record by landing seven quadruple jumps during the free skate.
Malinin's impressive performance earned him a score of 238.24 points in the free skate and an overall total of 332.29, solidifying his position as the top favorite to win the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This is Malinin's third consecutive Grand Prix Final title, further cementing his reputation as one of the world's best figure skaters.
"I went out on the ice and I had to fight for every single element," Malinin said in an interview after the competition. "I was so glad I was able to do that in front of the Japanese crowd."
Malinin's record-breaking performance included a quadruple axel, a quad loop, and several other complex jumps. He initially planned to attempt six quadruples but decided to go for more.
The American skater credited his practice sessions as the reason for his success. "The Grand Prix Final is a place for me to try new things and new elements to give myself an understanding of what is possible," he said.
Malinin's victory has boosted his confidence heading into the Olympics, where he will make his debut in February.
On the women's side, Alysa Liu won the gold medal with 222.49 points despite a disappointing third place finish after the short program. She attributed her success to improved stamina and consistency.
"I still have nationals, but I'll keep training and working on my stamina," Liu said.
Teenager Ami Nakai of Japan took second place with 220.89 points, while Kaori Sakamoto won the bronze despite singling a double axel during the free skate.
In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States won their third consecutive Grand Prix Final title, solidifying their position as gold medal favorites at the Olympics.
The results of the competition underscore that there is no clear favorite to win the gold medal in each event. The International Skating Union has announced plans to allow Russian skaters to compete in next year's Olympics under neutral conditions.
Ilia Malinin, known for his mastery of quadruple jumps, continued to showcase his incredible skills at the recent Grand Prix Final. The American skater not only won the gold medal but also set a new record by landing seven quadruple jumps during the free skate.
Malinin's impressive performance earned him a score of 238.24 points in the free skate and an overall total of 332.29, solidifying his position as the top favorite to win the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This is Malinin's third consecutive Grand Prix Final title, further cementing his reputation as one of the world's best figure skaters.
"I went out on the ice and I had to fight for every single element," Malinin said in an interview after the competition. "I was so glad I was able to do that in front of the Japanese crowd."
Malinin's record-breaking performance included a quadruple axel, a quad loop, and several other complex jumps. He initially planned to attempt six quadruples but decided to go for more.
The American skater credited his practice sessions as the reason for his success. "The Grand Prix Final is a place for me to try new things and new elements to give myself an understanding of what is possible," he said.
Malinin's victory has boosted his confidence heading into the Olympics, where he will make his debut in February.
On the women's side, Alysa Liu won the gold medal with 222.49 points despite a disappointing third place finish after the short program. She attributed her success to improved stamina and consistency.
"I still have nationals, but I'll keep training and working on my stamina," Liu said.
Teenager Ami Nakai of Japan took second place with 220.89 points, while Kaori Sakamoto won the bronze despite singling a double axel during the free skate.
In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States won their third consecutive Grand Prix Final title, solidifying their position as gold medal favorites at the Olympics.
The results of the competition underscore that there is no clear favorite to win the gold medal in each event. The International Skating Union has announced plans to allow Russian skaters to compete in next year's Olympics under neutral conditions.