Ilia Malinin, Figure Skating’s ‘Quad God,’ Primed for Olympic Glory in Milan

NEW YORK, February 1, 2026 – With the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics just days away, the spotlight in figure skating is fixed on one man: Ilia Malinin. The 21-year-old American, nicknamed the “Quad God” for his unprecedented technical mastery, enters the Games as the overwhelming favorite for gold, fresh off a season where he shattered world records and redefined the limits of the sport.

A Season of Dominance

Malinin’s path to Olympic favorite was cemented in December at the Grand Prix Final, where he successfully defended his title with a total score of 292.12. His free skate performance was a historic spectacle, featuring an unprecedented seven quadruple jumps—a display of athleticism that underscored his dominance. He broke his own free skate world record with a staggering 238.24 points, solidifying his status as the sport’s most formidable competitor.

The Technical Revolution

Malinin’s signature is the quad axel, a jump no other skater has landed in competition. This four-and-a-half revolution leap represents the current pinnacle of technical difficulty in figure skating. Sports scientists debate whether Malinin has pushed human performance to its absolute limit, but the skater himself is already looking beyond. In recent interviews, he has expressed ambitions to attempt a quintuple jump after the Milan Games, aiming to once again expand the boundaries of what is possible on the ice.

Key Facts: Ilia Malinin Ahead of Milano Cortina 2026

The Road to Milan

This will be Malinin’s first Olympic appearance. American selectors passed over the then-17-year-old phenom after a runner-up finish at the 2022 U.S. Championships, a decision that now seems a distant memory. Since bursting onto the senior scene, he has won virtually every major competition over the past three years. As the Games approach, Malinin maintains a focused mindset, telling reporters he is “taking it one day, one skate at a time” and plans to “train his heart out” to be as prepared as possible for the Olympic stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the 2026 Winter Olympics start?

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics begin with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 6, 2026, though some competitions, including the figure skating team event, start as early as February 4. The Games conclude on February 22.

What is a quad axel?

A quad axel is a figure skating jump with four and a half rotations in the air. It is considered the most difficult jump currently performed, requiring immense speed, height, and rotational control. Ilia Malinin is the first and only person to have landed one in international competition.

Who are Malinin’s main competitors for gold?

While Malinin is the clear favorite, the competition will be fierce. Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, a silver medalist at the 2022 Beijing Games, is expected to be a top contender. Other skaters from Japan and around the world will challenge, but all eyes will be on whether anyone can match the technical firepower of the “Quad God.”