CNN —For every other figure-skater, landing a quadruple axel lies outside the realms of possibilities, attempted but never accomplished by an endless parade of skating greats. For American teenage prodigy Ilia Malinin though, they are simply part of his routine. And landing one on Saturday propelled him to his first ever world title after a record-breaking performance in the free skate at the World Figure Skating Championship. I am so glad to be here on top right now.”Ilia Malinin won his first world title. His gold medal was the US’s second at this World Championships after Madison Chock and Evan Bates won the ice dance earlier on Saturday.

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Persons: axel, Ilia Malinin, –, ” Malinin, “, ” Ilia Malinin, Mert Alper, France’s Adam Siao Him, ’, Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates Organizations: CNN, International Skating Union, Anadolu Agency, Madison Locations: “, Japan’s Kagiyama Yuma