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Ilia Malinin takes largest lead in U.S. Figure Skating Championships history
World champion Ilia Malinin leads by the largest margin in U.S. Figure Skating Championships history after the men’s short program, seeking a third consecutive national title.
Malinin, the 20-year-old nicknamed the “quad god” and the only skater to ever land all six four-revolution jumps, hit a pair of quads (flip and Lutz) Saturday in Wichita, Kansas.
He totaled 114.08 points, taking a 19.14-point lead over Andrew Torgashev into Sunday’s free skate (4 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock). Under a 20-year-old scoring system, the previous record margin after the short was 18.85 points, set by Malinin last year.
Malinin has won seven consecutive competitions overall since his last defeat in November 2023. He hasn’t been outscored by an American since the March 2022 World Championships.
U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS: Results | Broadcast Schedule
Malinin is very likely to lead the three-man U.S. team for March’s Worlds in Boston. A U.S. Figure Skating committee selects the team, basing it largely off nationals results.
He could be joined by Torgashev, who placed 21st in his senior worlds debut two years ago. And third place Jimmy Ma, going for his first senior nationals podium in his 11th appearance.
Jason Brown, the two-time Olympian who was U.S. silver medalist in 2023 and 2024, is missing nationals. He has not announced whether he still hopes to be named to the world team.
Malinin’s primary competition is international, led by Olympic and world silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama of Japan. Kagiyama outscored Malinin in their last head-to-head in the Grand Prix Final free skate in December, but Malinin won the event due to his lead from the short program.
Nationals continue later Saturday with the free dance (3:30 ET, NBC and Peacock). Madison Chock and Evan Bates can tie the record with a sixth U.S. ice dance title. That’s followed by the pairs’ free skate (8 ET, USA Network and Peacock).
Jacob Sanchez is a podium contender at the Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships at age 17.
Ilia Malinin stuns the crowd at U.S. Figure Skating Championships with record-breaking performance
In a historic moment at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Ilia Malinin has taken the largest lead in the competition’s history. The talented skater put on a mesmerizing performance that left the crowd in awe and the judges impressed.
Malinin’s flawless execution of intricate jumps, spins, and footwork earned him high scores across the board, solidifying his position as the frontrunner in the competition. His commanding lead has set a new record for the largest margin in U.S. Figure Skating Championships history, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill on the ice.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Malinin’s next performance, as he continues to dazzle with his breathtaking routines and push the boundaries of what is possible in figure skating. Stay tuned for more updates on this rising star as he makes his mark on the sport.
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