U.S. Men 2024-25 news & updates

[Karen-W]

Quint update from Ilia (reposted from his fan thread) -

So, Ilia said in today's SP press conference that the plan at the moment is to introduce the quint NEXT season and that it's currently "looking very promising" - he did not give any further details on which jump he's attempting or whether he's landed one without the harness.

 

[Allskate]

Quint update from Ilia (reposted from his fan thread) -

I think Tara and Johnny were really pushing the quint story on the broadcast. Even when I was watching their interview with him, I thought it was much more likely that he was referring to the possibility of doing a quad axel/triple toe combo, not a quint.

If he was landing quints, I think he would have posted them on social media. He says that it's one of his goals to land the quint, but I'm not sure it's worth putting time into the quint and risking injury when the odds of getting it consistent enough to do in competition during an Olympic season are so slim. I also think that his prediction that we might see a few guys landing quints in the next few years is very optimistic.

On a tangential note, IMO Ilia is much more comfortable doing interviews now and more articulate.

 

[Karen-W]

I think Tara and Johnny were really pushing the quint story on the broadcast. Even when I was watching their interview with him, I thought it was much more likely that he was referring to the possibility of doing a quad axel/triple toe combo, not a quint.

I posted a fancam practice clip from this morning of Ilia practicing a 4s+3a in Allen, so that's what my guess as to any jump combo surprise he has up his sleeve in the FS - which would be almost as insane as a 4a+3t, TBH.

If he was landing quints, I think he would have posted them on social media. He says that it's one of his goals to land the quint, but I'm not sure it's worth putting time into the quint and risking injury when the odds of getting it consistent enough to do in competition during an Olympic season are so slim. I also think that his prediction that we might see a few guys landing quints in the next few years is very optimistic.

That's what my view was also, especially after the TTJ interview last night. Guaranteed, if Ilia has come anywhere close to a quint in practice, he'd share it on social media.

Later on in the press conference, there was a general question asked of all three men about quints and attempting them - both Kao & Nika said they thought Ilia could be the one to do it because his jumps are so high and his rotational speed is fast enough, but both demurred on trying one themselves. Kao said he tried one once and was scared out of his mind and won't again while Nika said he would try one on the last day before he retired from figure skating on his way to the hospital, lol.

I have no idea whether we'll see just one or more guys landing quints within a few years. When it comes to Ilia - just 2.5 years ago, we were all saying he was absolutely crazy to be attempting a 4a and that he was sure to get hurt, yet look at that 4a now... It's astounding how good of a jump it can be for him.

On a tangential note, IMO Ilia is much more comfortable doing interviews now and more articulate.

He is definitely becoming more comfortable with the press attention and how to handle questions & interviews. The fangirls screaming for him today was pretty awesome. The rink seemed fuller for the Men's SP than any other part of the competition so far - but that could just be because the teen/preteen girls were screaming so much (for several of the men, lol). It's a good thing for the sport, in general, to see and hear that kind of energy. Hopefully the rest of the GPs are just as lively with the fan energy and presence.

 

[Rukia]

He is definitely becoming more comfortable with the press attention and how to handle questions & interviews. The fangirls screaming for him today was pretty awesome. The rink seemed fuller for the Men's SP than any other part of the competition so far - but that could just be because the teen/preteen girls were screaming so much (for several of the men, lol).

It was the most full for the men (although there were definitely more people for the later sessions than yesterday)

 

[Debbie S]

Ilia and his dad sat at the top of the corner section on the K&C end at the start of the women's FS. I guess they were trying to be inconspicuous but the fangirls (and boys) found him and formed a line for autographs and pics. Ilia was very gracious and signed/posed for all. He and his dad did leave at some point during the first group, though....I can understand their need to chill.

 

[cailuj365]

There is a video on Ilia's discord of him doing a pretty breezy-looking 4T at home in practice. It was from this summer judging by his hair. His dad is off camera and says something in Russian about how to make it a quint. So they're definitely thinking and talking about it, but are they actually doing it? Unclear. (FYI, the video was not recorded or posted by Ilia but was apparently captured by another skater at his rink who was trying to record his own jumps.)

To be honest, I might lose a little respect for Ilia and his team if he does try to do it next year before the Olympics. It's one thing to try out the quad axel four years before the Olympics, but to try out quints 6 months before? Really, really playing with fire for very little reward. He broke both ankles four years ago and missed the Youth Olympics, so it's not like he's immune to injury.

Personally, I think the quint will be to Ilia what the quad axel was for Yuzuru. A big, big dream where he makes it a career goal, but then some 17-year-old kid comes out of nowhere and does it first.

 

[Karen-W]

There is a video on Ilia's discord of him doing a pretty breezy-looking 4T at home in practice. It was from this summer judging by his hair. His dad is off camera and says something in Russian about how to make it a quint. So they're definitely thinking and talking about it, but are they actually doing it? Unclear. (FYI, the video was not recorded or posted by Ilia but was apparently captured by another skater at his rink who was trying to record his own jumps.)

To be honest, I might lose a little respect for Ilia and his team if he does try to do it next year before the Olympics. It's one thing to try out the quad axel four years before the Olympics, but to try out quints 6 months before? Really, really playing with fire for very little reward. He broke both ankles four years ago and missed the Youth Olympics, so it's not like he's immune to injury.

Personally, I think the quint will be to Ilia what the quad axel was for Yuzuru. A big, big dream where he makes it a career goal, but then some 17-year-old kid comes out of nowhere and does it first.

LOL - Ilia's not even out of his teenage years quite yet!

I could see him maybe playing around with it and possibly discarding it as not worth the risk in the Olympic season but then sticking around 1 more season to see if he can be the first to land one.

 

[Allskate]

I posted a fancam practice clip from this morning of Ilia practicing a 4s+3a in Allen, so that's what my guess as to any jump combo surprise he has up his sleeve in the FS - which would be almost as insane as a 4a+3t, TBH.

That was pretty insane today!

 

[cailuj365]

Lol, the way Ilia makes being a chaotic teenager so much a part of his identity and branding, he's gonna have a little quarter-life crisis this December. I kid. I agree that he seems much more mature and articulate in interviews now. Congrats to him on his 3rd Skate America victory today. It wasn't the skate he's capable of, but it was enough and he has things he can work on (outside of quints ). The 4S-3A was gutsy. Hope he can recover well enough physically and mentally for Skate Canada. It's a quick turnaround.

I hope Lucas gets a 2nd GP assignment. The tech was not senior-level today, unfortunately, but he's absolutely capable of much more.

 

[Sylvia]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1848041701857755307

... He took these jumps out following his hard fall on his quad [toe loop] attempt in the SP. He still is in pain.
He says he juggles a lot with being a full time student and skating at the same time. He is expected at school tomorrow morning at 8.20 am. “My parents always told me school is important and I agree with them, so I think it’s important to finish my school now. Also I benefit from the social interactions there.”

 

[peibeck]

If Ilia is aiming to be the first to land a quint (assuming toe), I think now is the time if he wants to pull it out at say the GPF next year. If he started developing it this past summer that would be 18 months to get the timing and twitch memory developed. I'm sure he'll know by next summer if he thinks he can pull it off.

 

[canbelto]

I feel like Ilia's personality is a lot like Simone Biles in that he gets bored if he's stagnant technically. He always wants to push the envelope and that's what motivates him. People thought Simone was insane for the yurchenko double pike too.

 

[Allskate]

I hope Lucas doesn't let the problems at Skate America get to him. It's a shame after doing so much better at Cranberry Cup. But, it sounds like he was encouraged by the crowd, and he seemed to be having a lot of fun at the exhibition today.

I feel like Ilia's personality is a lot like Simone Biles in that he gets bored if he's stagnant technically. He always wants to push the envelope and that's what motivates him. People thought Simone was insane for the yurchenko double pike too.

Simone already had a bunch of Olympic and World medals. Also, there was a benefit to her working on a difficult vault that minimized twisting. I think it would be smart for Ilia to wait until after his first Olympics to do the quint. But, I don't expect him to listen to me. LOL.

 

[Viewer]

Congrats to Ilia for the Gold at Skate America!

 

[Sylvia]

Excerpts from USFS' Skate America Men's recap: https://www.usfigureskating.org/new...ormance-win-third-straight-skate-america-gold

Reigning World champion Ilia Malinin captured his third consecutive Skate America title [...]
Malinin becomes the fourth U.S. men’s skater to win three straight Skate America golds. The two-time U.S. champion once again dazzled the crowd with his amazing artistry and athleticism, landing four quads — two in combination — and throwing in a spectacular backflip in his free skate to “I’m Not a Vampire” by Falling in Reverse.
The 19-year-old Virginia native posted a free skate score of 190.43 and an overall total score of 290.12 to secure the crown, the fourth-highest men’s score in the event’s history. He achieved Level 4 on two spins and Level 4 on his dramatic step sequence.
“I’m proud of my skate today and I’m happy I was able to push through this program with some of the mistakes that I made,” Malinin said. “I always remind myself that stuff like this happens and you have to move on and take it and use it to progress and improve.”
Malinin popped an intended quad loop into a double and then failed to cleanly land a quad Lutz. He responded by improvising, landing a quad Salchow in sequence with a triple Axel.
“It wasn’t what I wanted today, so after those few mistakes I just tried to regroup and to make a strategy of what I have to do so I just decided to go for that quad Salchow, and I went for it.”
A U.S. man has now won the Skate America gold eight consecutive years.

Maxim Naumov went the sci-fi route with his free skate to the Tron: Legacy soundtrack by Daft Punk, stepping out of his quad Salchow but landing two triple Axels. The program kicked into high gear with Naumov’s step sequence, complete with lunges and flying moves.
The Boston-based skater produced a season-best free skate score of 143.27 en route to an overall total of 216.38 points and a seventh-place finish overall.
“It was technically similar to Nebelhorn,” Naumov, the two-time and reigning U.S. pewter medalist said. “Confidence-wise there’s definitely more. I did Salchow in both six-minute warmups and practices and everything was good, so the consistency is getting there but I’m still lacking a lot of confidence on the actual program run. It’s a natural progression so I’m feeling it will get better and better. I can’t say I’m super happy with it because I want to do more. But I’m feeling OK.”
Added Naumov’s coach and father, Vadim Naumov, “We are working on bringing up the intensity in practices, so they [replicate] more the competition. He has had so many injuries [including knee surgery in 2023], he is still building consistency with his quads.”

After taking a hard fall on a quad toe attempt in his short program, Lucas Broussard experienced lower back pain and elected not to try a quad or triple Axel in his “Four Seasons” free skate. Instead, he focused on his line, extension and all the in-between moves, to bring Vivaldi's classic violin concerto to life.
The Seattle skater wrapped up his second ever Grand Prix event (the first was 2023 Cup of China), posting a free skate score of 141.26 and an overall total of 206.57 points.
“All things considered, it went sort of well,” Broussard said. “I’m honestly surprised I got through the triple-triples. There was quite a lot of pain.”
Despite not having his normal repertoire of elements, Broussard received a rousing ovation.
“I never expected to get that much support without even a triple Axel,” he said.

Broussard, a senior at the Bush School in Seattle, brought his laptop and homework to Texas. The 18-year-old hopes to pursue STEM studies in college, with an eye to an engineering career. Broussard’s coach, Darin Hosier, plans training around his skater’s full-time academic schedule.
“It’s a lot of planning, a lot of periodization, and making sure that safety is first and foremost, because he has grown quite a bit in the last couple of years,” Hosier said of the 6'2" skater. “We do lots of drills, lots of strength training off of the ice. Lucas is a powerful jumper, a beautiful technician. He landed [his quad] beautifully at Cranberry Cup and in practices. He had to play it safe in the free today.”

 

[orbitz]

Can Ilia's costume designer please either make his shirt a onesie or change the top of his costume? The shirt tail became undone here as it did also at Lombardia earlier. Distracting and it gave a sloppy look on the ice.

Not crazy about either of Naumov's programs this season, or his Tron costume.

 

[cailuj365]

I love the dramatic, bedazzled blood on Ilia's costume, but I agree that the shirttails need to stay tucked. He already has a new outfit for later this year. Apparently, it is purple and very sparkly.

Naumov's Tron looks like a skeleton costume. I know we're in October, but...

 

[Sylvia]

Skate Canada International results:
GOLD Ilia MALININ USA 301.82 1 1 (106.22 in SP, 195.60 in FS) - his ISU SBs were at Lombardia Trophy (312.55, 107.25, 205.30)
8 Jason BROWN USA 218.75 7 9 (79.03 in SP, 139.72 in FS) - his Shanghai Trophy non-ISU SB scores were 242.79, 87.02, 155.77)

Transcription of what Jason said in the mixed zone after his FS: https://x.com/goldenskate/status/1850575116931158328
Excerpt:

Re his state in the season and reconciling what fans are accustomed to seeing from him later in the season: On average, this is what I do on a training day and where I'm at. So that was, you know, similar to last year and the year before, but no one saw it. It wasn't something that I was putting out in competition. And so by the time I was competing, I was very much more polished, which made me a lot more confident. And so this is an experience where I'm a little bit more vulnerable. I'm putting myself out there, you know, and obviously I always want to go out there and skate my best. So it's hard having these moments. But I think the biggest thing that Tracy and I are going to have to go back and discuss is what is the takeaway, the learning and kind of putting that, in a lot of ways, that ego aside, and being like, Okay, I'm going to go through the muckiness, and you guys aren't going to see the muckiness as it goes.

And Ilia (may include his press conference comments?): https://x.com/goldenskate/status/1850587194458882275

It was, you know, very tough doing these two back-to-back Grand Prix, and overall, I am pretty satisfied with my performance and how I was able to manage this today. You know, I'm a little bit bummed out with the loop, because I took the few days after Skate America to really make sure that this wouldn't happen. But it is what it is when it happened. I just had to, like, push it aside for now and continue the rest of the program. I think I was just little little tired because with this new like setup. Last year, I had the footwork in between the two sections for the jumping passes. This year, it's more like all in one continuous move so I think it'll give me some time to adjust this. I'm always challenging myself as my main competitor is just me so being able to fight through a program start to finish. And of course, my goal was to go for the loop here as well, but it happened so I have a little more time for the Final to really make sure I can do it under pressure, or when I'm doing the run through so that it becomes pretty easy to do.
Now, I'll be able to take the feedback that I've got for myself from both the Grand Prix and really just find spots in the program that I have to work on through some of the jumps just a little bit before the Final and work on some key places in the program that feel really challenging for me to get through, stamina wise and kind of mentally. So that's what I'm going to try to go back and work on. And of course, then I want to add a few more jumps or the technical elements in the free, so that's also something.

 

[Karen-W]

Jason's comments make me half-wonder if he's going to WD from NHK and work through the muckiness away from the fans' eyes.

 

[layman]

Jason's comments make me half-wonder if he's going to WD from NHK and work through the muckiness away from the fans' eyes.

He skipped the Grand Prix for the past two seasons but decided to come back to it this season...he and Tracy must have had good reasons for this (or else he could have easily skipped it again).

No one can be perfect all the time. Jason is a perfectionist but I like to see an artist's "method." I like to go to rehearsals. I love to see what really goes into creating those perfect moments at the big events. So, personally I am kinda glad that Jason and Tracy decided to invite us (the audience) into his preparation and "method" this season. I would like to see Jason's journey over the course of a full season (rather than him just dropping in for Nationals and Worlds). I am selfish that way I guess, but I really enjoy watching Jason, no matter how he skates.

 

[Karen-W]

He skipped the Grand Prix for the past two seasons but decided to come back to it this season...he and Tracy must have had good reasons for this (or else he could have easily skipped it again).

No one can be perfect all the time. Jason is a perfectionist but I like to see an artist's "method." I like to go to rehearsals. I love to see what really goes into creating those perfect moments at the big events. So, personally I am kinda glad that Jason and Tracy decided to invite us (the audience) into his preparation and "method" this season. I would like to see Jason's journey over the course of a full season (rather than him just dropping in for Nationals and Worlds). I am selfish that way I guess, but I really enjoy watching Jason, no matter how he skates.

I'm sorry, but the more I think about it, the more I'm going to call BS on Jason's entire "I'm always a little mucky at this point in the year" mixed zone remarks. Folks noted at Shanghai Trophy that his jumps, especially the 3A was in the worst shape it's been in for years, and he didn't have a triple-triple there either.

Today's score is 18 points lower than his 2023 Warsaw Cup score - which was a few weeks later in the season than where we're at now. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and hope his jumps improve and he can get somewhere close to that 2023 Warsaw Cup score at NHK, but no one except his ubers want to be invited in to see this mess. It only sows doubt and concern in the hearts of the fans of the US men in general.

Frankly, the GP spot that Jason currently has could be put to better use if he withdrew and it went to the current GP 1st Alternate, Lucas Broussard. If Jason wants to compete again before Nats, send him to Golden Spin. Lucas needs more high pressure competition opportunities, whereas Jason has a vastly higher level of experience with high pressure situations (2x Olympian, former national champ, numerous Worlds, GPF & 4CCs berths). If his reason for competing was needing WS points should he make the Worlds team then send him to Golden Spin where he can probably pick up an easy 300-250 points (more than he earns by placing 7th at a GP) and then make him compete at 4CCs instead of doing Art on Ice.

The fact of the matter is, the teenagers we have coming up and already challenging the Torgy/Naumov/Pulkinen/Hiwatashi/Ma crew that have been hanging around and accomplishing very little internationally the last several seasons, need the competitive experience more (and, trust me, I'd be perfectly fine with Hiwatashi also being withdrawn from NHK based upon his Cranberry showing - and I wonder what is going on with him since he hasn't done any Challengers since - Denis Ten would have been the most sensible since he's training in Japan now).

I'm just over these guys who have been given opportunity after opportunity and doing nothing with it. I could go on a longer tirade, but I'm going to refrain. Let's just put it this way... I think the USFS' luck is about to run out in Boston when it comes to relying on Jason to ensure the 3rd spot.

 

[tony]

It’s not that Jason hasn’t taken advantage of his assignments- in fact, he’s done really well up until now. In 2023, he was so close to the World podium and then Aymoz went and skated a shocker right after him. One more mistake from Malinin and Jason potentially was finishing 4th. With the multiple quad guys in the picture (Ilia, Yuma, Adam, Kao, Shun, and so on), skaters like Jason and even Aymoz have to realize they not only have to be picture-perfect, but others most likely have to make mistakes— and that’s always a possibility.

He’s helped contribute to keeping 3 spots and his Worlds record isn’t anything to sneer at. The jumps are getting away from him, but he might get it together by Nationals once again. None of us know that.

 

[her grace]

I think Broussard could just as easily be assigned to another Sr. B. With skates as bad as he had at Skate America, I hardly think he’s more deserving than American skaters who earned their GP spots outright. Of course, if anyone chooses to withdraw, I’d be happy for him to have another chance, but I certainly wouldn’t pull anyone for Broussard. To put it another way, his SA performance was no Von Felton.

 

[Karen-W]

I think Broussard could just as easily be assigned to another Sr. B. With skates as bad as he had at Skate America, I hardly think he’s more deserving than American skaters who earned their GP spots outright. Of course, if anyone chooses to withdraw, I’d be happy for him to have another chance, but I certainly wouldn’t pull anyone for Broussard. To put it another way, his SA performance was no Von Felton.

Well, I'd challenge you that Hiwatashi "earned" his assignment - he wasn't on the SB or WS Top 24 last season and I'm pretty sure that the only reason for his NHK invitation is because he trains in Japan therefore the cost of travel is train fare across Tokyo from Kinoshita Academy. There were guys ranked higher on the SB list who didn't get any GP invitations - and everyone below him who got one received a host GP assignment.

The point is not to send Lucas out to another Challenger where barely anyone is watching or paying attention to him. The point is to put him in another pressure cooker situation and see what he has learned from his SkAm experience, to grow and improve and show that he can bounce back and handle the pressure. I'm already a little concerned about his competitive mindset given the way he bombed at Jr Worlds in 2023 after a fabulous fall JGP season and JGPF result. His current SB is 28 points higher than Jason's SB and 56 points higher than Tomoki's.

Fire tempers steel.

 

[canbelto]

Too bad, because I actually really like Jason's LP this year. Think it suits him beautifully.

 

[Karen-W]

Too bad, because I actually really like Jason's LP this year. Think it suits him beautifully.

Enjoy him in shows then.

Honestly, I really want to know what the USFS is going to do if he shows up and skates at this same level at Nats and is out-skated by 3-4 guys. Will they bump his PCS up to the insanely high levels they did last season just to keep him on the Worlds team?

I've said this in the pbp threads for SCI and it bears repeating here - Pulkinen, Ma, Torgashev, Naumov, Broussard & Sanchez (if he's skating sr at Nats) should adopt the following strategy for Nats:

SP - 3A, solo quad, 3z+3t combo - don't bother with attempting 2 quads - skate clean
FS - 1 solo quad, 2 3As, 3z+3t, another 3+3 combo/seq, a 3+2+2 combo/seq, 1 other solo 3 - again, don't bother with attempting 2 quads - aim to go clean

At the rate Jason's jumps have deteriorated, going clean is going to be enough to beat him - their PCS may not match Jason's, but none of them are slouches in that conversation, so what they lose on PCS will be made up for in TES and clean programs.

I know, I know, it's probably a big ask because some of these guys haven't managed that, but I also think they're all trying for in the SP and the FS for the 2 quad standard and it's just not realistic for any of them right now.

 

[her grace]

Well, I'd challenge you that Hiwatashi "earned" his assignment - he wasn't on the SB or WS Top 24 last season and I'm pretty sure that the only reason for his NHK invitation is because he trains in Japan therefore the cost of travel is train fare across Tokyo from Kinoshita Academy.

Nevertheless, Japan chose him. And if they hadn’t, it’s very unlikely that they would have selected Broussard in the initial selection after his disaster season last year. Brown was guaranteed 2 spots because of his world’s finish so he absolutely earned his.

The point is not to send Lucas out to another Challenger where barely anyone is watching or paying attention to him. The point is to put him in another pressure cooker situation and see what he has learned from his SkAm experience, to grow and improve and show that he can bounce back and handle the pressure. I'm already a little concerned about his competitive mindset given the way he bombed at Jr Worlds in 2023 after a fabulous fall JGP season and JGPF result. His current SB is 28 points higher than Jason's SB and 56 points higher than Tomoki's.

Fire tempers steel.

I just find it ironic that you’re lobbying so hard for Broussard, who does not have a consistent quad or 3a, to replace Brown, who doesn’t have a quad or consistent 3a.

 

[Karen-W]

I just find it ironic that you’re lobbying so hard for Broussard, who does not have a consistent quad or 3a, to replace Brown, who doesn’t have a quad or consistent 3a.

Yeah, well, the difference is about 11 years of age between the two men. I realize Lucas' 3a and quad are not consistent - how do you expect him to gain any consistency when he's not put into high pressure competitive situations? He's going to be around in the next Olympic cycle and can use the experience now to prepare and sustain him in the future.

I only wish that Jimmy's 24-25 SB was .5 higher because then he'd be #2 on the GP Alternates list ahead of Torgy - and I'd be lobbying for him over both Hiwatashi & Brown too. Maybe he or Torgy will skate really well next week and bump Lucas out of his 1st position. If any of those guys can post a SB that's 20+ points higher than other US guys who have GPs, then I'm all in favor of the USFS applying appropriate pressure to get them additional GPs.

 

[her grace]

I realize Lucas' 3a and quad are not consistent - how do you expect him to gain any consistency when he's not put into high pressure competitive situations? He's going to be around in the next Olympic cycle and can use the experience now to prepare and sustain him in the future.

Ideally, he would have practiced competing at least the 3A on the JGP. Moving to seniors early without a consistent 3A is rather unusual. Since he is skating senior and he’s only medalled at one domestic Senior B, I think the Challenger Series is an appropriate place to continue to work on delivering his technical content in competition.

 

[Karen-W]

Ideally, he would have practiced competing at least the 3A on the JGP. Moving to seniors early without a consistent 3A is rather unusual. Since he is skating senior and he’s only medalled at one domestic Senior B, I think the Challenger Series is an appropriate place to continue to work on delivering his technical content in competition.

Except that your "domestic Senior B" is actually an "international Challenger" and he has, after Ilia, the highest SB of the US men.