Ilia Malinin Shines in 2026 Winter Olympics: Who Can Challenge the “Quad God”?

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, figure skating enthusiasts are keen to see if anyone can rival Ilia Malinin, often referred to as the “Quad God.” With his exceptional technique and power, Malinin has raised the bar for men’s figure skating, boasting an impressive seven quad jumps in his routines.

Key Competitors: Kagiyama and Siao Him Fa

Among those vying for the title are Yuma Kagiyama and Adam Siao Him Fa. Kagiyama, renowned for his technical prowess, poses a significant threat to Malinin. His capability to perform flawlessly gives him a fighting chance, despite having fewer quad jumps compared to Malinin.

Adam Siao Him Fa gained attention as the 2024 World Bronze Medalist. He was the last skater to defeat Malinin in direct competition, achieving victory at the Grand Prix de France in November 2023. However, his inconsistency could be a hindrance as he strives to capitalize on his opportunities.

Technical and Artistic Excellence

• Ilia Malinin: Seven planned quads, known for technical execution.
• Yuma Kagiyama: High performing technician with superb quality in his quads.
• Adam Siao Him Fa: Last to defeat Malinin, but struggles with consistency.

Both Kagiyama and Siao Him Fa must maintain momentum from their short programs into the free skate to have any chance against Malinin. They each possess a high level of artistic and technical skill, making the competition especially exciting.

Consistency: A Crucial Factor

Consistency remains a concern for all competitors. While Malinin has demonstrated a solid track record over the last three seasons, he faced challenges in both the short program and free skate during the team event. This lapse raises the question: is there an opening for his challengers?

The upcoming Olympic Games will showcase whether Malinin can maintain his dominance or if the likes of Kagiyama and Siao Him Fa will rise to meet the challenge. Only time will tell if anyone can dethrone the reigning “Quad God” of figure skating.