Prague is set to host the World Figure Skating Championships this week, offering a stage for redemption for several athletes still processing the results of the recent Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Among those looking to end the season on a high note are Americans Ilia Malinin and Amber Glenn, both of whom secured team gold in Milan but narrowly missed individual medals.
The championships, running from Wednesday, March 25th to Sunday, March 29th, will gather many of the sport’s biggest names, including the recently crowned Olympic champions. For Malinin, the event represents a chance to recapture the dominance he displayed leading up to the Games, where a series of errors in the free skate derailed his bid for gold. Despite the disappointment, Malinin was recognized with the Olympic fair play award for his graciousness in congratulating Mikhail Shaidorov on his victory.
Glenn, similarly, is seeking to build on her strong performance at the U.S. National Championships. She’s had time to process the Olympic experience and now aims to translate that into a strong showing in Prague. Both skaters will face stiff competition, particularly from a strong Japanese contingent.
Women’s Short Program Set to Initiate Wednesday
The World Championships will kick off on Wednesday with the women’s short program. Representing France will be Lorine Schild, who finished 22nd in the individual event at the Milan Cortina Olympics. This will be Schild’s fourth appearance at the World Championships, with a previous best finish of 15th place in 2025.
Notably absent from the competition is Alysa Liu, the reigning Olympic champion. Liu has opted to withdraw from the championships to rest and recover following her historic gold medal win in Milan. Her absence leaves the world title vacant, opening the door for a new champion to emerge.
How to Watch the Women’s Short Program
Figure skating fans can catch the women’s short program live on Eurosport 1 this Wednesday, March 25th, starting at 14:30 CET (Central European Time). This translates to 8:30 AM Eastern Time in the United States and 5:30 AM Pacific Time.
The championships come just over a month after the conclusion of the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The Games saw both triumphs and heartbreak for many skaters, and the World Championships provide a crucial opportunity to assess where athletes stand as they appear ahead to the next Olympic cycle in 2030.
Ilia Malinin, often dubbed the “quad god” for his ambitious jump attempts, entered the Olympics as a strong favorite. His struggles in the free skate, however, resulted in one of the most dramatic collapses in recent Olympic history. Despite the setback, Malinin is determined to return to the top, and his journey begins in Prague. He’s already demonstrated a commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport, continuing to operate towards landing the first-ever quintuple jump.
The absence of Olympic gold medalists Liu and Shaidorov creates an interesting dynamic in Prague. While their victories brought increased media attention, their decision to sit out the championships allows other skaters to step into the spotlight. The competition is expected to be fierce, with strong challengers from Japan poised to capitalize on any mistakes made by Malinin or Glenn.
For Glenn, the World Championships represent a chance to showcase her artistry and resilience. She has consistently demonstrated a strong mental game, and her ability to handle pressure will be crucial in Prague. Her performance at the Olympics, despite the errors, highlighted her determination and sportsmanship, qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well in the coming days.
The World Figure Skating Championships in Prague promise to be a compelling event, filled with drama, athleticism, and the pursuit of excellence. With several athletes seeking redemption and new champions waiting to be crowned, the stage is set for an unforgettable competition.
What’s next: The men’s short program is scheduled for Thursday, March 26th, followed by the free skate on Saturday, March 28th. Keep an eye on Archysport for continued coverage of the World Championships.
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