Photo credit Getty Images
By Kristen Henneman
Winning gold has become the norm for Ilia Malinin.
Undefeated in the 2024 calendar year, Malinin ran away with the men’s event at Skate Canada International in Halifax, Canada, winning the gold by more than 40 points.
With his second Grand Prix gold of the season, the reigning World champion secured his place at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2024 in Grenoble, France, in December, where he will look to defend his title. He becomes the first man to sweep Skate America and Skate Canada International in the same season in 25 years.
Malinin broke the 300-point mark for the second time this season with 301.82 points. In his performance to “I’m Not a Vampire” by Falling in Reverse, six of Malinin’s jumping elements generated more than 10 points, culminating with a triple flip-triple Axel combination that produced 16.80 points. He also received Level 4 designations for all his spins and his step sequence.
The two-time and reigning U.S. champion tallied 195.60 points for his free skate to clinch his sixth Grand Prix medal. Malinin, just 19 years old, has medaled at every Grand Prix he’s competed at.
Competing at his first Grand Prix since 2021, two-time Olympian Jason Brown finished eighth with a two-day total of 218.75. His free skate to “Spiegel im Spiegel” by Arvo Pärt totaled 139.72 points.
In the ice dance event, Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik led Team USA, finishing in fifth, which ties their best result at a Grand Prix.
Their second straight year competing at Skate Canada International, Zingas and Kolesnik skated their free dance to “Epilogue” by Olafur Arnalds and “Lost It to Trying” by Son Lu. They recorded four Level 4 elements, starting strong as they tallied their highest scores on their first three elements, including 10 points for their diagonal step sequence
The 2023 U.S. pewter medalists posted a free dance score of 101.60 points for a total score of 173.08.
Oona Brown and Gage Brown, who earned their best result at a Grand Prix last season at Skate Canada, finished right behind Zingas and Kolesnik in sixth place with 179.14 points.
The 2022 World Junior champions’ skate to “Baba O’Riley” by The Who was highlighted by their diagonal step sequence, which was awarded 10.28 points. They secured 106.96 points in the segment.
Emily Bratti and Ian Somerville finished ninth. They earned 101.60 points for their free dance and 173.08 points overall.
For full results, visit the Grand Prix Series Competition Central on the U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone.