Official World Championships News Involving Ilia Malinin Announced

James Lang-Imagn Images

Official World Championships News Involving Ilia Malinin Announced

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Feb 27, 2026 7:03 AM ET

Ilia Malinin’s 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics did not go according to plan.

The 20-year-old headed to his first-ever Winter Games with extremely high hopes. He delivered in the team event, helping lead Team USA to a gold-medal finish.

Malinin, however, succumbed to the immense pressure in the free skate. He was in a great position to win his first individual gold after an incredible performance in the short program. The “Quad God” simply wasn’t himself in the final competition, though.

He fell twice during his routine, resulting in a shocking eighth-place finish. It was far from what everyone expected from the figure skating superstar.

Team USA's Ilia Malinin looks on during men’s singles free program Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The silver lining for Malinin is he has an immediate chance to redeem himself. Right now, the Fairfax, Viriginia native is currently in Zurich, Switzerland performing in the Stars on Ice gala. He will be back in competition in March.

The International Skating Union (ISU) made an official announcement on Wednesday for the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships. Also known as the Worlds, the highly anticipated competition will take place from March 24 to 29 in Prague, Czech Republic.

Malinin was officially announced as one of the competitors, alongside the best of the best in figure skating.

“It’s official: figure skating stars are coming to Prague for the ISU Figure Skating World Championships 2026," read a statement from the competition's official website.

"... Fans can look forward to the sport’s top names. American phenomenon Ilia Malinin will compete, along with Japanese Olympic medalists Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato.”

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Headlining the women’s event is American sensation Alysa Liu, who won two gold medals in the Winter Games. She will compete against the United States’ Amber Glenn, as well as Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai of Japan.

As for Malinin, the World will be his opportunity for redemption. He is the reigning two-time World Figure Skating champion, and he will be looking to make it three in a row next month.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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