Ilia Malinin Shatters Nathan Chen’s Margin Record at U.S. Figure Skating Championships
Malinin Dominates Short Program, Setting New Standard
In a breathtaking display of athleticism and technical prowess, 19-year-old Ilia Malinin has rewritten the record books at the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. With a remarkable performance in the short program, Malinin not only secured the lead position but also established the largest leading margin in the history of the competition, surpassing the previous record held by Nathan Chen.
Despite not attempting his signature quad Axel, a feat he has only attempted once in a short program, Malinin’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. He executed two flawless quadruple jumps, a toe loop, and a Lutz, earning a total score of 108.57 points. This impressive score propelled him to a commanding 18.85-point lead over his closest competitor, Max Naumov, heading into Sunday’s free skate.
Overcoming Adversity: Malinin’s Resilience Shines Through
Malinin’s triumph was particularly remarkable considering the challenges he faced leading up to the competition. He revealed that he had experienced significant skate malfunctions in recent weeks, which even raised the possibility of withdrawing from the event. However, he persevered through these setbacks, demonstrating his mental fortitude and unwavering determination.
“I was just a little bit nervous going to this event,” Malinin confessed. “I’m lucky I was able to stay on my feet.”
Jason Brown’s Artistic Brilliance Earns Him a Podium Spot
Two-time Olympian Jason Brown, known for his exquisite artistry and expressive skating style, secured a spot on the podium despite an unfortunate fall on his opening triple Axel. His strong artistic scores compensated for the technical error, propelling him to third place behind Malinin and Naumov.
At 29, Brown has the potential to become the oldest male skater to grace the U.S. podium since Todd Eldredge’s victory in 2002 at the age of 30. Brown’s resilience and unwavering dedication serve as an inspiration to skaters of all ages.
Nathan Chen’s Legacy: A Record Surpassed
Nathan Chen, the reigning Olympic champion and six-time U.S. champion, held the previous record for the largest short program margin, set at the 2017 Nationals with a margin of 17.72 points. However, Malinin’s extraordinary performance has now eclipsed Chen’s achievement, setting a new standard for excellence in the sport.
Malinin’s International Success Continues
Malinin’s dominance at the U.S. Championships is a continuation of his impressive international success this season. In December, he claimed the prestigious Grand Prix Final title, defeating two-time world champion Shoma Uno of Japan. This victory further solidified his position as one of the world’s top figure skaters.
World Championships Team Selection Looms
The U.S. team for the upcoming World Championships in Montreal will be announced following the conclusion of the national championships. Malinin, who won bronze at last year’s worlds, is a strong contender to represent his country once again. The selection committee will carefully evaluate the performances of all competitors to determine the three skaters who will represent the United States at the prestigious international event.
Women’s Free Skate Takes Center Stage
The excitement continues later on Friday with the women’s free skate, scheduled to air live at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app, and Peacock. Figure skating enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing captivating performances from some of the nation’s most talented female skaters as they vie for the coveted national title.