Exclusive Interview with Ilia Malinin: From His World Title to his Quad-Jump Mindset and Olympian Parents

Reflecting on his free skate performance at the World Championships, Malinin admits that the emotional reaction at the end was unexpected. He is usually seen as a composed and collected skater, but in that moment, he couldn’t contain his excitement, acknowledging that all the hard work he had put in was truly worth it.

This moment of vulnerability could provide insight into the direction Malinin wants to take with his skating style in the future. Despite not every competition being as significant as a World Championship, he knows that he will always be under pressure as a world champion moving forward.

Becoming a world champion was a dream come true for Malinin, but now he is focused on what lies ahead. Reflecting on his journey and the support he has received from his family, coaches, and choreographers, he realizes that the World Championship win was a result of years of dedication and effort.

Looking towards future goals, Malinin sets his sights on the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. He aspires to be at the top there as well, using his recent success as motivation to propel him forward. The win has given him confidence and a sense of accomplishment, serving as a stepping stone to reach even greater heights.

Despite struggling to come to terms with his emotions after the win, Malinin is taking everything in stride. He acknowledges the overwhelming relief and disbelief he felt at the end of his performance, recognizing the significance of his achievement as a young skater still developing his style.