The 2025–26 figure skating season was quite the journey for 21-year-old Ilia Malinin, culminating in its two biggest events — the Winter Olympics, held once every four years, and the World Championships in Prague, Czechia.
Malinin has firmly established himself as the sport’s biggest star, and that was evident throughout the Winter Games. Whether he was performing at his best or falling short of expectations, fans were locked in every step of the way — and they saw a bit of both.
He captured gold in the team event for the United States but failed to medal in the men’s free skate final, a result that came as a shock to nearly everyone.
Still, Malinin handled the setback with class and quickly turned his focus to the World Championships just weeks later. He delivered in dominant fashion, returning to the top of the podium with his third consecutive world title. He scored a 218.11 in the free skate for a total of 329.40 — well ahead of silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama, who finished with a 306.67.
Now, days removed from his final major event, Malinin took to social media to share a parting message as he reflected on the 2025–26 season.
“W O R L D S,” Malinin wrote. “We made it. The 25–26 season has come to an end. It was a long, tiring, stressful season with many ups and downs that led me to finishing it with success. Thankful for all the help and support throughout this entire season.
“Now is the start of another chapter — new projects, new challenges, new goals, new ideas, new name. Ready for everything and anything that comes my way. Curiosity and passion is a weapon. (And let’s have some fun.) — ChaosG0d and Quadg0d.”
Malinin isn’t hanging up his skates just yet. He’s expected to return for the upcoming season and is set to appear in the Stars on Ice Tour in Japan, as well as Stars on Ice in the U.S. later this month. That said, he’ll likely take some time to rest and recover before the next season officially ramps up in July.
