Malinin Defends Men’s Title; Chock and Bates Take 3rd Straight Ice Dance Gold at Figure Skating Worlds

Ilia Malinin of the United States competes during his routine in Men's Free Skating during the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships at TD Garden in Boston on March 29, 2025. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

BOSTON—Ilia Malinin walked toward the ice for his free skate at the world championships with the swagger of a conquering hero.

Then he backed up the bravado.