How it unfolded
On March 29, 2026, the picturesque city of Prague, Czech Republic, became the backdrop for a remarkable achievement in the world of figure skating. As the world gathered to witness the pinnacle of the sport, Ilia Malinin, affectionately known as the ‘quad god’, took to the ice with a determination that would soon etch his name into the annals of history.
Leading up to this momentous event, anticipation had been building around Malinin, especially after his eighth-place finish at the Olympics. Fans and fellow competitors alike were eager to see how he would rebound. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, filled with supporters who had come to cheer for their favorite skaters, including the talented Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato, who were also vying for the top spots.
As the competition unfolded, Malinin delivered a breathtaking performance in the free skate, scoring an impressive 218.11 points. His routine featured five quadruple jumps, showcasing his extraordinary technical prowess. While he chose not to attempt the quad axel jump this time, his execution of the other jumps was flawless, earning him a total score of 329.40 points, which secured his victory.
Yuma Kagiyama, who finished second with a total of 306.67 points, expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating, “I came here solely focused on finishing the event with a satisfying performance.” His dedication and focus were evident as he skated with grace and precision, but it was Malinin’s night to shine.
Shun Sato rounded out the podium in third place with a total of 288.54 points, marking a significant achievement in his young career. The camaraderie among the competitors was palpable, as they all shared the same passion for the sport and the thrill of competing at such a high level.
In the ice dance category, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron captured the title with a total of 230.81 points, while Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier secured silver for the third consecutive year. Cizeron expressed the joy of performing in front of such an enthusiastic crowd, saying, “It felt amazing. It was a suspended moment with all of you, and it’s such a special feeling to feel all of your eyes and your energy on what we created, so thank you so much.”
Malinin’s victory is particularly significant as he becomes the first skater to win three consecutive men’s world titles since Nathan Chen, a feat that highlights his consistency and dedication to the sport. His journey has been marked by hard work and resilience, and he acknowledged the support of his fans, stating, “It was really challenging, really hard but with you guys I was able to make it through.” This victory not only cements his legacy but also inspires a new generation of skaters.
As the dust settles on this year’s world championships, the skating community reflects on the incredible performances witnessed in Prague. With the absence of Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov, the stage was set for new heroes to emerge, and Ilia Malinin has undoubtedly taken his place among them. The future looks bright for this talented young skater, and fans eagerly await what he will accomplish next.
