Ilia Malinin: The ‘Quad God’ Redefining the Limits of Figure Skating
The world of figure skating is witnessing a revolution, spearheaded by 21-year-aged American Ilia Malinin. Dubbed the “Quad God” or “Quadruple God” by fans, Malinin has achieved what was long considered impossible: mastering the quadruple axel.
The Quad Axel: A Leap Beyond the Possible
What makes the quad axel so extraordinary? It’s the only jump that begins with a forward takeoff. To land cleanly, skaters must complete an astonishing 4.5 rotations in the air. Malinin was the first and remains the only, athlete to successfully land this jump in competition – achieving the feat at the age of 17 during the Junior World Championships. He has continued to break records since.
Record-Breaking Performances and Olympic Expectations
In December, Malinin further cemented his place in history at the Grand Prix Final in Japan. He became the first person ever to land seven quadruple jumps in a single program, including the quad axel. This performance earned him a new personal best score of 238.24 points in the free skate.
The arena in Nagoya, Japan, erupted as his performance concluded. Daniel Weiss, a former figure skater and current commentator, described it as “a run from another galaxy,” and questioned who could possibly stop him from winning Olympic gold.
An Unbeaten Streak and a Clear Path to Gold
Malinin’s dominance is undeniable. The two-time World Champion hasn’t lost a competition in over two years. His combination of quadruple jumps and masterful skating technique makes him the clear favorite for the Olympic Games in Milan.
Even rap icon Snoop Dogg, serving as the first honorary coach for the US team, visited Malinin during training and was thoroughly impressed. “He’s a ten out of ten,” the rapper declared, adding that he would have held up five more hands if he had them.
The Olympic Schedule for the ‘Quad God’
Malinin’s Olympic schedule is packed. He began with the short program of the team event on Saturday evening, with a chance to win his first gold medal on Sunday. The individual short program follows on Tuesday, culminating in the final free skate at the Milano Ice Skating Arena three days later.
A Family Legacy and a Vision for the Future
Ironically, Malinin’s parents, both former Olympians themselves, initially tried to discourage him from following the same path. They were acutely aware of the sport’s demands and sacrifices. However, Ilia Malinin hasn’t just followed in their footsteps – he’s revolutionized figure skating and already has his sights set on the next challenge: he believes a quintuple jump is achievable in the future.
FAQ
What is a quad axel?
A quad axel is a figure skating jump that requires four and a half rotations in the air, and uniquely takes off facing forward.
Who is the first person to land a quad axel?
Ilia Malinin is the first and only person to land a quad axel in international competition.
What is Ilia Malinin’s nickname?
Ilia Malinin is nicknamed the “Quad God.”
Is Ilia Malinin a favorite to win gold at the Olympics?
Yes, Ilia Malinin is considered the clear gold medal favorite in men’s figure skating at the 2026 Olympics.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Malinin’s technique during the Olympic free skate. The speed into the jump and the height he achieves are key to understanding why he’s the only one capable of landing the quad axel consistently.
What do you think? Will Ilia Malinin grab home the gold? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
