Dec 29 - Ilia Malinin says he hopes to compete at three Olympic Games, starting with Italy in February, as the three-time U.S. men's champion continues the rapid rise that has made him the gold medal favorite at the upcoming Milano Cortina Games.

Asked how long he plans to stay in the sport, the 21-year-old American said his goal is to skate through the 2026, 2030 and 2034 Olympic cycles, while acknowledging the physical demands of the ultra-difficult jumps that have helped define his career.