Levito and Kam/O’Shea Medal as Malinin Dominates Short Program at Skate Canada

Ilia Malinin © Pinterest

The United States continued its strong start to the Grand Prix season with multiple podium finishes at Skate Canada International in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — the third stop of the 2025 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series.

Rising star Isabeau Levito captured the silver medal in the women’s event with an expressive and technically strong free skate, while Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea delivered their season-best performance to claim bronze in pairs. Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Ilia Malinin stormed ahead in the men’s short program, setting himself up for another gold finish.

Levito Delivers Silver with Poise and Power

Levito’s free skate to Cinema Paradiso by Ennio Morricone earned 137.97 points, bringing her total to 209.77 — good enough for silver and just fractions behind the leader. Her performance was highlighted by elegant spins and strong step sequences, both receiving Level 4s.

This marks Levito’s sixth career Grand Prix medal, and a clear sign of progress after finishing fourth at the season opener in France. The 18-year-old has become known for her consistency and artistry, showing a growing maturity in every program.

Teammate Bradie Tennell finished just off the podium in fourth place with 195.07 points, skating to music from The Mission. Her technical control remains a benchmark for U.S. women heading into the rest of the series.

Malinin Extends His Reign

In the men’s event, Ilia Malinin once again reminded the skating world why he’s the one to beat. Performing to Dies Iraeand The Lost Crown, the two-time World Champion landed a quad flip and a quad Lutz–triple toe combination, both executed nearly flawlessly. His total of 104.84 points put him more than 12 points ahead of his closest rival.

Malinin, who won the season-opening Grand Prix de France by over 40 points, has now captured 11 straight individual victories — a streak that includes two World Championships, two Grand Prix Finals, and two U.S. titles. His next goal: another clean free skate to seal the title in Saskatoon.

U.S. teammate Tomoki Hiwatashi placed ninth with 84.32 points, showcasing strong elements in his “Free Bird” program, including a clean quad toe and two Level 4 spins.

Kam and O’Shea Climb to Bronze

The American pair Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea continued their impressive rise, rallying from fourth after the short program to earn bronze with an overall score of 199.11 — and a personal-best 133.63 in the free skate.

Their cinematic program featured powerful lifts and clean throws, highlighted by a throw triple loop and two Level 4 elements. This marks the duo’s third straight Grand Prix medal, confirming their spot among the top international pairs this season.

Carreira and Ponomarenko Stay in the Mix

In ice dance, Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko positioned themselves well for the podium, finishing third in the rhythm dance with a score of 76.83. Skating to Sweet Dreams and 100% Pure Love, they impressed judges with precise twizzles and a strong rotational lift, both earning Level 4s.

Based in Canada and partners since 2014, the duo is seeking their third consecutive Grand Prix medal, showing continued growth as one of the most consistent American dance teams.

Looking Ahead

The competition concludes Sunday with the men’s free skate and the ice dance free dance, where Team USA remains in strong medal contention.

With Malinin’s dominance, Levito’s elegance, and Kam/O’Shea’s upward momentum, the American contingent continues to establish itself as a powerhouse in the 2025 Grand Prix season.

Source: article by Troy Schwindt on usfigureskatingfanzone.com, published November 2, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer