Ilia Malinin, known as “The Quad God,” showcased his prowess by clinching his third consecutive figure skating Grand Prix Final title, affirming his status as the frontrunner for the gold medal at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Despite a lackluster performance in the short program, Malinin astounded the audience in Nagoya, Japan, by executing a record-breaking free skate routine, landing a total of seven quadruple jumps. His exceptional performance earned him a free skate score of 238.24 points, leading to an impressive overall score of 332.29 points.
Expressing his satisfaction with his performance, Malinin described it as one of his best skates to date, emphasizing the perseverance required for each element. Notably, he delighted the crowd with his flawless execution of challenging quad jumps, including a quadruple axel and a quad loop. Before the free skate, Malinin had planned to attempt six quads but exceeded expectations by successfully executing seven, pushing the boundaries of his abilities in preparation for the Olympics.
Yuma Kagiyama, the Beijing Olympic silver medalist, secured the silver medal with 302.41 points, while Shun Sato from Japan claimed the bronze with 292.08 points. Malinin’s undefeated streak for over two years, coupled with his status as a two-time world champion and three-time Grand Prix Final champion, solidifies his position as a formidable force in men’s figure skating.
In the women’s event, Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion, clinched the gold medal with an overall score of 222.49 points, despite finishing third in the free skate. Her performance reflected her confidence and stamina, crucial elements as she prepares for the Olympics. Ami Nakai of Japan secured the second spot with 220.89 points, while Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion set to retire after the Olympics, claimed the third position with 218.80 points.
The competition highlighted the unpredictability in the women’s field, with no clear favorite emerging for the upcoming Olympics. The International Skating Union’s decision to allow Russian skaters to compete as neutrals in the men’s and women’s events further adds to the intrigue of the upcoming competition. Adeliia Petrosian and Petr Gumennik will represent Russia in the women’s and men’s competitions, respectively.
In ice dance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States secured their third consecutive Grand Prix Final title with a stellar free skate performance, earning a total score of 220.42 points. The duo, reigning world champions, showcased their supremacy in ice dance, cementing their status as gold medal favorites for the upcoming Olympics. Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron claimed the silver medal, while Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson from Britain secured the bronze.
Chock and Bates’ impressive record includes a sixth ice dance title at Skate America and a victory at the Cup of China in the Grand Prix series. Their consistent success positions them as frontrunners for Olympic gold, with Chock emphasizing the positive momentum they carry into the remainder of the season. Their previous victories at the Grand Prix Final in 2023 and 2024 further attest to their exceptional talent and competitive edge.
