Article by Roxana Fleşeru – Published on Sunday, 29 March 2026 20:29 / Updated on Sunday, 29 March 2026 20:40
Ilia Malinin (21 years old) won in Prague the third world title of his career, and at the Laureates' Gala on Sunday he presented a program to the music of Yungblud, abandoning the one from the Olympic Games, in which he talked about his struggles at the competition where he ranked only eighth in the men's event.
Ilia Malinin was one of the characters of this season in figure skating. The self-titled “Quad God” had a season full of success in the first part of his season, with triumph (gold with Team USA) and disappointment (eighth place in the individual) at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, and ending with a third consecutive world title.
Ilai Malinin performing the back jump PHOTO Imago Images
“I'm glad I managed to end the season on a positive note and I'm proud of that, but basically they're two completely different competitions, so I think the real revenge will come in 2030 at the next Olympics.”he told USA Today.
He emphasized that in Prague he skated without putting pressure on himself and without expectations. “I just put it all behind me. I had a different mindset at the end so different from how I usually approach things. It was just 'as it goes, it goes', honestly, that's how I approached it, no expectations, no pressure, just push myself on the ice and skate,” he explained.
Ilia Malinin, impressive at the end
At the Laureates' Gala on Sunday, he left the demonstration program where his music was NF's “Fear” and his clothes were gray for the Olympics, opting now for white and Yungblud's reinterpretation of “I Was Made for Lovin' You.” At the end of the Laureate Gala, Malinin performed a quadruple Axel and then a back jump in tandem with Frenchman Adam Siao Him Fa.
Ilia Malinin during the program of the Laureates' Gala at the 2026 Olympic Games PHOTO Guliver/GettyImages
But Ilia Malinin is not going on vacation after the performance in Prague, he will participate alongside Alysa Liu, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, as well as other Olympic medalists at the “Stars on Ice” tournament. “This tour is not work. It's entertainment, a pleasant and friendly environment, without much pressure. This is my relaxation. Besides listening to music, playing video games and sleeping“, he told the quoted source.
He, his parents, who are also his coaches, and his choreographers will soon start working on new music, programs and new costumes for the next season. Beyond that, Malinin has a big plan: “To give myself a fresh start for the next four years.”
