American figure skater Ilia Malinin showcased his prowess by clinching his third consecutive figure skating Grand Prix Final victory, further cementing his status as a frontrunner for the gold at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Despite a lackluster performance in the short program that left him in third place, Malinin made history by executing a record-breaking free skate, landing seven quadruple jumps to amass a total of 332.29 points in Nagoya, Japan.
Expressing his satisfaction with his performance, Malinin described it as one of his best skates, emphasizing the determination he exhibited on the ice. Notably, he successfully executed challenging quad jumps, including a quadruple axel and a quad loop. Prior to the free skate, Malinin had set his sights on attempting six quads but exceeded his own expectations by achieving seven.
Yuma Kagiyama, the Beijing Olympic silver medalist, secured the silver medal with 302.41 points, while Shun Sato of Japan claimed the bronze with 292.08 points. Malinin, a dominant force in the sport with an unbeaten streak spanning over two years, holds the titles of two-time reigning world champion and three-time Grand Prix Final champion.
Reflecting on his triumph, Malinin expressed confidence and highlighted the significance of his win in boosting his morale as he prepares for his Olympic debut in February. He emphasized his commitment to refining his skills and addressing any weaknesses in the lead-up to the prestigious event. In the women’s competition, Alysa Liu, the world champion, secured the gold medal with a total score of 222.49 points, underscoring her readiness for the Olympics.
In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States clinched their third consecutive Grand Prix Final title with an impressive free skate score of 131.68, solidifying their status as favorites for the Olympic gold. The duo, three-time reigning world champions, showcased their prowess and expressed optimism for the upcoming season, emphasizing their excitement to compete at the highest level.