In a dazzling display of athleticism and artistry, Ilia Malinin of the United States successfully defended his title at the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, held at TD Garden in Boston on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The 20-year-old, often referred to as the "Quad God," landed six quadruple jumps during his free skate, culminating in a breathtaking performance that secured him a total score of 318.56 points, a remarkable 31 points ahead of his nearest competitor, Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan.
Malinin's victory marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, making him only the sixth American man to win consecutive world titles, joining the ranks of skating legends like Nathan Chen, Brian Boitano, and Dick Button. "I don't know how it feels to be Ilia Malinin right now," he said with a smile, admitting, "I'm tired." His performance was not just a testament to his technical prowess but also to his ability to connect emotionally with the audience.
During the free skate, Malinin executed a quad flip, quad axel, quad lutz, quad loop, quad toe loop, and quad salchow, followed by his signature move, the "raspberry twist," and even a backflip for good measure. The crowd erupted with cheers as he flawlessly performed each element, showcasing his dominance in the sport. "That should not be possible," exclaimed Tara Lipinski during the NBC broadcast, highlighting the extraordinary nature of Malinin's jumps.
While Malinin basked in the glory of his victory, the event was bittersweet for Japan's Yuma Kagiyama, who finished in third place with a total score of 278.19 points. Kagiyama, who had been a strong contender throughout the competition, faced a challenging free skate, finishing 10th in that segment after a series of uncharacteristic mistakes. "I am frustrated and disappointed in this result," he expressed through an interpreter, vowing to return to the drawing board to prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Kagiyama's struggles in Boston were compounded by the pressure of his previous accolades, including a silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. This year, he had hoped to build on his success but ultimately fell short. Despite this setback, he remains a vital part of Japan's figure skating scene, which also saw debutant Shun Sato finish sixth and Tatsuya Tsuboi come in 21st, securing Japan a maximum of three spots for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics next year.
Malinin's journey to this moment has not been without its challenges. Just two months prior to the championships, he faced an emotional toll following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 28 individuals connected to the skating community. This loss deeply affected him, leaving him unable to skate for a time. "Skating usually helps me handle hard things going on in my life, but it was just too emotional to be there," he reflected, emphasizing how the memory of those lost motivated him to perform at his best in Boston.
As Malinin prepares for the upcoming Olympic season, he has set his sights on achieving a new milestone: landing seven quadruple jumps in a single program. His pursuit of this goal reflects his relentless drive to push the boundaries of the sport. "I really want to nail this and have it be comfortable, effortless," he stated, hinting at the potential for history-making performances in the future.
The competition also highlighted the rise of Mikhail Shaidorov, who claimed silver with a personal best score of 287.47 points. Shaidorov's performance included a stunning triple Axel-quadruple Salchow combination, making him the first Kazakhstani man to win a world medal since the late Denis Ten in 2015. His achievement not only marks a personal triumph but also elevates the profile of figure skating in Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile, France's Adam Siao Him Fa and Kevin Aymoz rounded out the top five, while American skater Jason Brown made an impressive leap from 12th to finish eighth overall. Brown's emotional free skate resonated with the audience, underscoring the depth of talent present at this year's championships.
As the dust settles on the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, the spotlight now shifts to the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, where Malinin will enter as the clear favorite. With his unique blend of technical skill and artistic expression, he has captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. His performances not only redefine the standards of figure skating but also inspire a new generation of athletes.
Looking ahead, Malinin plans to take a brief hiatus from training after the exhibition gala before embarking on a series of skating shows in Japan. This creative outlet allows him to express himself outside the competitive arena, further fueling his passion for the sport.
In conclusion, Ilia Malinin's triumph at the world championships solidifies his status as a leading figure in men's figure skating, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating Olympic season. As he prepares to chase new records and continue his journey, fans around the world eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the story of this remarkable athlete.
