Ilia Malinin Makes History with Record-Breaking Performance at World Figure Skating Championships
In a performance reminiscent of the hit TV show “Succession,” Ilia Malinin wowed audiences and judges alike at the World Figure Skating Championships with his winning program for the men’s singles competition. The 19-year-old skater from Fairfax, Virginia, executed a stunning routine that included six quadruple jumps, including the elusive quadruple axel, a feat that involves four and a half rotations in the air.
What set Malinin’s performance apart was not just his technical prowess, but also his choice of music. Skating to the theme song of “Succession,” the moody string music added an extra layer of drama to his routine. Malinin’s performance was a masterclass in precision and artistry, earning him the highest score ever for a free skate.
Despite his success, Malinin revealed that he has yet to watch the show that inspired his performance. “I don’t have a subscription to HBO,” he said in an interview. “But if I did get it, I’d definitely watch.” This is not the first time Malinin has drawn inspiration from television for his performances; last season, he skated to music from the series “Euphoria.”
Malinin’s performance was developed in collaboration with choreographer Shae-Lynn Bourne, who chose the “Succession” theme specifically for its uniqueness in the world of figure skating. The skater’s coaches, who happen to be his parents and former Olympic skaters themselves, have been instrumental in his success, offering guidance and support throughout his career.
Looking ahead, Malinin has his sights set on pushing the boundaries of the sport even further. With his mastery of the quad axel, he is now eyeing the possibility of attempting a quintuple jump, a maneuver that has never been performed in competition. As he continues to innovate and push himself to new heights, Malinin is poised to become a game changer in the world of figure skating.
