Full Breakdown
Ilia Malinin: The Quad God of Figure Skating Approaches the Olympics
1/14/2026, 8:12:42 PM
Dominance in Figure Skating
Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old figure skater from Fairfax, Virginia, has emerged as a dominant force in the sport, winning nearly every major competition over the past three years. As he prepares for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, expectations are high for Malinin, who has secured first place in the last four U.S. Championships, the last three Grand Prix Finals, and the last two World Championships. His only remaining goal is to capture an Olympic gold medal, a title he has yet to achieve. Malinin acknowledges the pressure of these expectations, stating, “Of course, there’s going to be a lot of pressure... but I’m just really excited.”
The Quad Axel: A Historic Achievement
Malinin's rise to prominence is largely attributed to his groundbreaking ability to perform the quadruple axel, a jump that requires completing four and a half rotations in the air. He became the first skater to land this jump in international competition at the U.S. Classic in September 2022. This feat has earned him the nickname "Quad God." Since then, he has landed the quad axel 15 more times in competition, solidifying his status as a pioneer in the sport. Philip Hersh, an NBC Sports contributor, remarked, “He’s doing things athletically that nobody in this sport has ever come close to.”
Motivation from Past Setbacks
Malinin's journey has not been without challenges. He was notably left off the roster for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, a decision that he found disappointing but ultimately motivating. Reflecting on this experience, he stated, “In the end, I think if it wasn’t for me not going to those Olympics, then I don’t think I’d still be skating even after Milan.” This setback has fueled his determination to excel in Milan, where he aims to not only win but also to elevate the profile of figure skating.
Competitors' Perspectives
Malinin's competitors have expressed admiration for his skills. Yuma Kagiyama, a fellow skater from Japan, commented on Malinin's effortless execution of difficult jumps, saying, “Maybe he is putting effort, but to us, it looks effortless and really easy.” This acknowledgment from peers highlights Malinin's unique talent and artistry, which he continues to refine.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Figure Skating recently announced a strong Team USA for the upcoming Olympics, with Malinin as a key figure. His performances have been described as revolutionary, with former U.S. champion Johnny Weir stating, “Ilia has revolutionized the way we look at what is physically possible in our sport.” Malinin himself aims to inspire a renewed interest in figure skating, emphasizing his passion for the sport and the importance of showcasing its beauty.
What's Next for Malinin
As the Olympics approach, Malinin is focused on maintaining his current programs without introducing new tricks, citing the risks involved. He believes that performing well with his established routines will create new records. With the world watching, Malinin is poised to make a significant impact on the figure skating landscape in Milan.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the end, I think if it wasn’t for me not going to those Olympics, then I don’t think I’d still be skating even after Milan.” — Ilia Malinin, Figure Skater
- “He’s doing things athletically that nobody in this sport has ever come close to,” — Philip Hersh, NBC Sports Contributor
- “Ilia has revolutionized the way we look at what is physically possible in our sport,” — Johnny Weir, Former U.S. Figure Skating Champion
