American figure skating star Ilia Malinin delivered a stunning performance in the men’s short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, electrifying the crowd and establishing a commanding lead early in the competition.
The 21‑year‑old skater executed a breathtaking routine packed with difficult elements, including a quad flip, a quad Lutz‑triple toe loop combination and even a show‑stopping backflip that sent the audience to its feet.
Malinin’s high‑energy performance earned him a score of 115.10, far ahead of his rivals and positioning him as a clear favorite heading into the free skate later in the weekend.
Skaters Tomoki Hiwatashi and Jason Brown trailed him with respective scores of 89.26 and 88.49, underscoring just how dominant Malinin’s short program was.
Malinin later said he hadn’t expected to skate so cleanly, admitting that he surprised even himself with how well his planned elements came together on the ice.
He explained that although he had briefly considered a more conservative strategy, once the music began and the adrenaline took over, he committed to the full program he had envisioned.
Quad Mastery and Olympic Momentum
Malinin’s performance at nationals positions him as a leading contender for gold at the upcoming Winter Olympics, where he is widely regarded as a favourite.
In recent seasons, he has pushed the technical boundaries of the sport, being one of the few skaters capable of landing multiple quadruple jumps in competition and striving to incorporate the powerful quad Axel into his programs.
His modern style and jump repertoire have earned him acclaim from commentators and fans alike, and he is often credited with redefining what is possible in men’s figure skating.
Observers say Malinin’s focus on technical innovation mirrors the way other dominant athletes have reshaped their sports, combining difficulty with flair to elevate performance standards.
Despite his obvious strength with quad jumps, Malinin continues to work on his artistic presentation, blending athleticism with choreography and musical interpretation.
Malinin’s rise follows earlier challenges, including missing out on selection for the U.S. Olympic team four years ago — a setback he has referred to as a pivotal moment in his growth as a competitor.
That disappointment, he says, helped fuel his determination to expand both his technical skills and competitive maturity.
Emotional Moments and Ice Dance Highlight
The short program competition also provided emotional moments beyond Malinin’s technical feats.
Maxim Naumov, competing in his own short program, skated to tribute music and honored his late parents — both former world champion skaters — in a moving gesture that drew a standing ovation from the audience.
Naumov’s performance showcased not only his technical skills but also the resilience and personal meaning he brings to the event.
In ice dance, seasoned duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates moved into pole position after their rhythm dance, showcasing the precision and connection that have made them national favourites over the years.
Their routine, set to a medley of upbeat and dynamic music, demonstrated their fluid lifts, tight footwork and performance quality that judges rewarded with a high score.
Chock and Bates are aiming to secure a record‑seventh national title and build momentum toward a possible Olympic gold in what may be their final competitive season.
The Road to Milano‑Cortina
As the nationals progress toward Saturday’s free skate events, competitors are vying not only for medals but also for their spots on the U.S. Olympic team bound for the Milano‑Cortina Winter Games.
The top three finishers in each discipline at nationals will earn the opportunity to compete in Italy next month, shaping the United States’ representation on the world stage.
With his sizable lead after the short program, Malinin appears poised to claim one of those coveted slots in men’s figure skating, though he and his peers will need to maintain consistency through their free skates to finalize Olympic selection.
Meanwhile, other contenders continue to push for distinction, with skaters in all events displaying personal bests, emotional tributes and artistic growth as the championships unfold.
For Malinin, the challenge now will be to convert his commanding early lead into another championship title and to carry that form into the international arena, where Olympic pressure and global competition await.
