It seems like Ilia Malinin, the “Quad God,” has done a nice job of moving on from his Olympic heartbreak.

Last month, the 21-year-old Team USA star was the overwhelming favorite to bring home the gold in the men’s free skate. But the unimaginable happened when he fell twice and dropped all the way to eighth place.

However, he has begun to avenge the loss and is now a three-time world champion.

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Ilia Malinin of the United States competes during the men’s free skating at the Figure Skating World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, March 28, 2026.  (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Malinin shouted and punched the air with relief after finishing a skate that showed he had achieved his desire to “move on” from the Olympics after days of being tormented by his mistakes.

Malinin scored 218.11 in the free skate for a total of 329.40, far ahead of silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama of Japan with 306.67. Another Japanese skater, Shun Sato, was third with 288.54.

Malinin was blunt about his Olympic performance when speaking to NBC afterward, saying simply, “I blew it,” and adding it was a clear mental hurdle from start to finish.

“I just had so many thoughts and memories flood right before I got into my starting pose, and almost, I think, it maybe overwhelmed me a little bit. I’ve been through a lot in my life, a lot of bad and good experiences,” Malinin told reporters. 

Gold medalist Ilia Malinin of the U.S. waves to spectators after the medal ceremony after the men’s free skating at the Figure Skating World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

LINDSEY VONN KEEPING RETURN TO SKIING ON TABLE DESPITE INJURIES: ‘I DON’T LIKE TO CLOSE THE DOOR ON ANYTHING’

“So, I just feel like it’s the pressure of especially being that Olympic gold medal hopeful. It was just something I can’t control now. The pressure of the Olympics, it’s really something different, and I think not a lot of people understand that. 

“They only understand that from the inside, and going into this competition, especially today, I felt really confident, really good,” he added. “But it really just went by so fast I did not have time to process.” 

But with some pressure off, Malinin was able to show who he truly is on the ice.

Gold medalist Ilia Malinin of the U.S. waves before the medal ceremony after the men’s free skating at the Figure Skating World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

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Malinin became the first skater to win three consecutive men’s world titles since fellow American Nathan Chen, who achieved the feat in 2018, 2019 and 2021 after the 2020 event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fox News’ Jackson Thompson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.  

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Outspoken ESPN star Stephen A. Smith took a clear position in the ongoing debate about transgender athletes’ participation in girls and women’s sports.

“Biological men should not be competing against biological girls in sports, period,” Smith said during an appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher” after the Olympics’ policy on transgender women was mentioned.

“What about protecting the young ladies? Young ladies going up against biological men — biological men — there is no excuse for that.”

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Stephen A. Smith joined Bill Maher on the March 27 episode of “Real Time,” discussing politics and who could potentially lead both parties going forward. (Real Time with Bill Maher/YouTube)

Smith then mentioned former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas.

OLYMPIANS REACT TO THE IOC’S POLICY CHANGE TO PROTECT WOMEN’S SPORTS

“Lia Thomas, for example, was a male, and he was ranked over 400th in the world. … And then he became a she. … And No. 1. Well … does it really take an Einstein to realize that there’s something wrong with that picture?”

Sadie Schreiner puts a transgender flag in her hair before heading to the awards stand after finishing third in the finals of the 200-meter race at the 2024 NCAA Division III outdoor track and field championships at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium May 25, 2024, in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Smith has previously spoken about his views on transgender athletes in girls and women’s sports, including during a February 2025 Radio Row interview ahead of that year’s Super Bowl.

“So, that’s how I look at it. LGBTQ rights and all that stuff, I’m in full support of that, but when transgender athletes — men — are transitioning to women and they’re competing in female sports, that’s a different animal to me,” he said.

“That’s not just about LGBTQ rights. That’s about preying on the rights of females out there everywhere who were born female, and they’re at a decided disadvantage.”

Stephen A. Smith (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

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Those comments from Smith surfaced around the same time in 2025 when President Donald Trump signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order, which directed federal agencies to interpret Title IX based on biological sex at birth.

The NCAA complied with Trump’s executive order and changed its policy.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Around 16,000 fans packed into the Manchester arena bought into the Itauma buzz, greeting him with a warm roar as he was walked to the ring by British rapper Meekz.

Itauma – the prodigy who was sparring seasoned professionals while still at school – was in wonderful form from the first bell, using his speed and variation to send Franklin backtracking.

In truth, the knockout felt inevitable even when 32-year-old Franklin managed to recover from a third-round right hand that sent him crashing to the floor.

Working behind a jab and picking his shots wisely, Itauma avoided anything reckless. “It’s a breakdown job,” trainer Ben Davison aptly told him between rounds.

This was another night that thrilled and told us a little more about the rising heavyweight.

Itauma’s devastating power is undeniable, once again on display as he dispatched a seasoned opponent inside the first half of the fight.

But the bigger questions remain.

His chin has yet to be properly tested. Franklin landed a right in the fourth, and Itauma just smiled, but he will face bigger punches in the future.

And while the knockouts keep coming, he is still unproven beyond six rounds, with his engine and endurance untested at the highest level.

Promoter Warren expects Itauma to fight for a world title this year.

Within boxing circles, that talk may be slightly premature but Itauma is keeping pace with two-time world champion Anthony Joshua.

At the same stage of his career, Joshua beat Gary Cornish to register a 14th stoppage and was selling out the O2 Arena. Itauma is on a similar trajectory, almost filling the Co-op Live Arena – and arguably facing higher-level opponents along the way.

The key step-up for Joshua came in his 15th fight: a win over Dillian Whyte for the British title, which developed his resolve and enhanced his profile.

By his 17th, he was world champion after defeating Charles Martin.

Aside from signing quarterback Kyler Murray two weeks ago, the Minnesota Vikings didn’t do much in free agency, constrained by a tight salary cap situation and needing existing players to step up in 2026. So, it’s time for the annual breakout player article, keeping tabs on the purple team four weeks before the draft.

Minnesota has young players poised for bigger roles this season.

This go-round, Minnesota has plenty of options for breakout personalities on both sides of the ball.

Five Vikings with a Real Chance to Level Up in 2026

Ranked in ascending order — No. 1 is the top breakout candidate — here’s the list.

5. Tai Felton | WR

With Jalen Nailor, the WR3 for 2024 and 2025, now out of the picture, the Vikings opted not to sign a free agent to fill the void. Numerous options were available, with players like Hollywood Brown, Kendrick Bourne, Romeo Doubs, Mike Evans, and Christian Kirk signing elsewhere.

Minnesota passed on them all. Therefore, barring a new acquisition, the WR3 role is open. If Felton doesn’t emerge as a viable contender, the remaining free agent pool looks something like this:

• DeAndre Hopkins
• Deebo Samuel
• Keenan Allen
• Stefon Diggs
• Tyreek Hill

The list reflects the current point in the offseason more than it reflects actual available talent. Had the Vikings been genuinely concerned about the WR3 position, they likely would have already made a move. Their patience suggests confidence in Felton or a specific draft strategy.

As of March, Felton has already cleared two significant hurdles: Nailor’s departure and the absence of a veteran signing. The opportunity is there; it’s now up to him to seize it.

4. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins | DT

The 2025 5th-Rounder played 250 defensive snaps last season as a rookie, a noteworthy figure for a late-round pick. For his troubles, he banked a 58.3 Pro Football Focus grade — not very good but also not heinous for a lottery draft pick.

This month, Minnesota said goodbye to Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, the two men directly in front of Ingram-Dawkins on the depth chart. Assuming the Vikings don’t sign Christian Wilkins or D.J. Reader from free agency or draft Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald, Caleb Banks, or Lee Hunter early next month, the seas have parted for Ingram-Dawkins to play a more meaningful role.

3. Jay Ward | S

Ward flashed so much down the stretch of 2025 that he took Theo Jackson’s job, who began 2025 as the starter next to Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus.

The man will enter Year No. 4 in 2026, hoping to capitalize on a third season when he tallied a PFF grade north of 70.0. Ward played about the same number of snaps as Ingram-Dawkins in 2025. If the Vikings don’t draft Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeill-Warren, Ward could be looking at a clear path to a starter’s job in September.

Our Janik Eckardt called Ward a “free agency winner” earlier this month, explaining, “Safety Jay Ward had his workload raised at the end of last season, consistently getting more snaps in Brian Flores’ unit after seemingly earning his trust.”

“Ward, a 2023 draft pick, is in line for a promotion. Harrison Smith is currently unsigned and might retire. The Vikings didn’t acquire a safety to take his spot, perhaps because they trust Ward. Flores’ trust and the depth chart uncertainty give him a clear path to doubling or tripling his snaps in 2026.”

2. Donovan Jackson | LG

Despite battling numerous injuries this season, including a wrist injury requiring surgery in September, Jackson demonstrated remarkable toughness, returning to the starting lineup within weeks of undergoing surgery in Los Angeles the day after the injury occurred.

He allowed 2 sacks as a rookie and was generally accepted by fans as a worthwhile 1st-Round draft pick. Jackson will start at left guard once again in 2026 and seems primed for a second-year jump.

Jackson should also benefit from Christian Darrisaw’s return to the full-time lineup at left tackle — the guy right next to him.

1. Dallas Turner | OLB

Turner finished 2025 strong, recording 8 sacks and anchoring the defense after Jonathan Greenard’s December injury. The second-year pass rusher’s performance demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion when Minnesota needed him most.

Still early in his career, Turner has significant potential for further development. If he were entering the league in 2026, his age would align perfectly with that of incoming rookie EDGE prospects. With time on his side, increased playing time could lead to a significant leap in performance.

His current production already hints at this trajectory. Turner earned a 70.2 pass-rushing grade from PFF and ranked second among all EDGE defenders with 4 forced fumbles.

Virat Kohli once again showed why he is the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, steering his side to a dominant six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 season opener on Saturday. The former India captain hit an unbeaten 38-ball 69 as RCB chased down 202 in just 15.4 overs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Reflecting on his performance, Kohli said, “It’s good to get back out there. The last T20 game I played was the final last year, but the way I batted in the recent one-day series really helped me stay in that momentum. I wasn’t playing shots that I don’t usually play… these breaks help me mentally. I stay fresh, I stay excited. Whenever I come back to play, it’s 120%.” The chase was powered by a brilliant 26-ball 61 from impact substitute Devdutt Padikkal. Kohli lauded his young partner’s performance: “Outstanding knock. Right from the word go, I had plans of going aggressive in the powerplay. But when I saw him play, I was like, just keep putting him back on strike. He completely took the game away from the opposition. I even told him, that shot he hit off the slower ball over mid-on for six… just keep going. He’s hitting the ball amazingly well.” Kohli also emphasised the importance of team contribution over individual records: “As a player, you don’t want to just hold on to a spot; you want to keep performing and keep putting in the work for the team.” RCB’s chase was anchored by Kohli and Padikkal’s 101-run stand for the second wicket, after the team lost opener Phil Salt early. Kohli’s innings included five fours and five sixes, with some trademark shots like the straight six that hit the sight screen, and a swat flick executed with minimal movement, demonstrating his mastery of timing and placement. Earlier, SRH had posted 201/9, with stand-in captain Ishan Kishan top-scoring with 80 off 38 balls, including eight fours and five sixes. Jacob Duffy, on IPL debut, impressed with figures of 3/22, dismantling SRH’s top order. Phil Salt also took a stunning one-handed catch in the deep to dismiss Kishan. Kohli, who now plays only 50-over cricket for India after retiring from Tests and T20Is, remains a key figure for RCB. “The kind of scheduling over the last 15 years meant there was always a risk of burnout. These breaks help me mentally… as long as you’re physically fit and mentally excited, both things come together nicely, then you’re able to contribute to the team’s cause,” he added. With this victory, RCB began their IPL 2026 campaign in style, honouring the 11 fans who tragically lost their lives at last year’s title parade with black armbands, empty seats, and a minute’s silence before the game.

Great Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson miss out on an ice dance world medal by less than a fifth of a point after having two points deducted for an “illegal element”.

WATCH MORE: Malinin wins third straight world figure skating title

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GIO Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 4 NRL game between Canberra Raiders and
Cronulla Sharks. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with Canberra Raiders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canberra Raiders vs.
Cronulla Sharks
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday March 29, 2026 at 4:05 pm

Where: GIO Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks Odds

Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks Preview

Melbourne hosts a side looking to test itself against one of the competition’s most consistent performers. The Storm have once again demonstrated their trademark discipline, combining structured attack with a reliable defensive system. Their opponents have shown promise, particularly with ball in hand, but face a significant challenge in matching Melbourne’s consistency. Recent matchups have generally favoured the Storm, especially at home where they rarely relinquish control. The contest through the spine will be key, with Melbourne’s experience often proving decisive. A strong start will be vital for the visitors if they are to remain competitive deep into the match.

Jaron Ennis and Xander Zayas appear to have quietly announced that their fight is now a done deal.

‘Boots’ Ennis unified titles at 147lbs before stepping up in weight, where he made an immediate statement with a stoppage win over Uisma Lima in October last year. He had been targeting a fight with Vergil Ortiz Jr, but issues between Ortiz and his promoter, Golden Boy, saw those plans fall apart.

Enter Zayas, boxing’s youngest male unified world champion at 23. The Puerto Rican claimed the WBO super-welterweight belt with victory over Jorge Garcia Perez in July last year, and added the WBA strap by beating Abass Baraou in January.

Both promotional teams – Matchroom for Ennis, Top Rank for Zayas – had made it clear recently that talks were moving along nicely, with June 27 in New York targeted. Top Rank’s recent broadcast partnership with DAZN has helped push discussions forward behind the scenes, and both fighters have now taken to social media with extremely positive updates.

First, Zayas said, “signed, sealed and delivered. We got a fight.”

✍🏼🗽💨#críaboricua#AndStillpic.twitter.com/5Ypjcx1lN5

— Xander Zayas (@XanderZayas) March 28, 2026

That was followed by Ennis’ post, who looks forward to becoming a “two-weight undisputed champion.”

😈 2 WEIGHT UNIFIED CHAMP 👑 #ANDTHENEW🤴🏾 pic.twitter.com/xtnFuuOyIy

— Boots (@JaronEnnis) March 28, 2026

With both fighters now publicly signalling that an agreement has been reached, attention will quickly turn to official confirmation in the coming days.

If indeed finalised, the clash represents one of the most significant fights in the super-welterweight division this year, pitting one of the sport’s most complete operators against one of its youngest champions. For Ennis, it is a chance to cement his status at a new weight, while for Zayas, it marks a defining step up, despite entering the ring as the champion.