Ilia Malinin Chases Perfection in Skating Quest

Ilia Malinin, the only skater to land a quad axel in competition, is making headlines. At 21 years old, he has recently secured his fourth consecutive national title. This remarkable achievement has solidified his status as a leading contender for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.

Quad Axel: The Pinnacle of Figure Skating

The quad axel is known as the most challenging maneuver in figure skating, featuring four and a half rotations in the air. Malinin’s extraordinary accomplishment in mastering this jump has earned him the nickname “Quad God.” He humorously noted the origins of this title, explaining that it arose while he was updating his Instagram handle.

A Record Setter

During the Grand Prix Finals in December 2023, Malinin made history by executing seven quadruple jumps in one competition—an unprecedented feat. His unique style, which includes skating to rap music and performing backflips, contributes to his growing fame within the sport.

Family Legacy and Support

Skating runs in Malinin’s family. He is coached by his parents, both former Olympians who represented Uzbekistan after originally hailing from Russia. Although they initially did not encourage him to pursue skating, Malinin found his own path and now thrives alongside his sister in the sport.

The Pursuit of Perfection

Malinin is committed to achieving perfection in his performances. He is known for his intense practice sessions, often critically reviewing his routines to identify areas for improvement. He emphasizes the physical challenges of executing the quad axel, which requires immense strength and control to land safely.

A Journey to the Olympics

Despite winning a silver medal at Nationals in 2022, Malinin was not selected for the Beijing Olympics. Reflecting on that experience, he believes it motivated him to innovate and push the boundaries of his abilities. As the 2026 Olympics approach, he remains focused and determined to prove doubters wrong.

Overcoming Nerves

Even as he prepares for the biggest stage in figure skating, Malinin acknowledges the presence of nerves. However, he has developed a technique to channel that anxiety into performance. Once the music starts, he relies on muscle memory to execute his routines, treating each performance as if it were a practice session.

Looking Ahead

As the Winter Olympics in Milan loom closer, Ilia Malinin stands poised to make his mark in the history of figure skating. With aspirations for even more ambitious jumps on the horizon, fans are eagerly anticipating his next moves. The Quad God aims to redefine what is possible in the sport, paving the way for future generations of skaters.