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Ilia Malinin: Olympic Hopeful and Quadruple Axel Pioneer

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old figure skater from Fairfax, Virginia, is a gold medal favorite for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
He has dominated major competitions, earning peer admiration, winning the last four U.S. championships, and becoming the first skater to land a quadruple axel in international competition.
He aims to raise awareness of figure skating and inspire others while remaining focused on his current programs.

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Story summary

Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old figure skater from Fairfax, Virginia, is a gold medal favorite for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
He has dominated major competitions, earning peer admiration, winning the last four U.S. championships, and becoming the first skater to land a quadruple axel in international competition.
He aims to raise awareness of figure skating and inspire others while remaining focused on his current programs.