Ilia Malinin to Attempt Most Challenging Quad in Final Olympic Skate?
Ilia Malinin is set to attempt an unprecedented quad axel at the Milan Cortina Olympics. This maneuver, a daunting 4 1/2-revolution jump, remains unachieved by any skater in competition aside from Malinin himself. So far, he has chosen the safer triple axel in his routines, including the team event and the individual short program.
Malinin’s Goals and Strategy
As the competition heats up, Malinin leads by five points over key contenders Yuma Kagiyama from Japan and France’s Adam Siao Him Fa. This substantial lead may allow him some flexibility in his final performance. His submitted program for Friday includes aspirations for the quad axel, potentially making it part of a record-tying seven quad jumps in total.
- Current lead: 5 points over Kagiyama and Siao Him Fa
- Potential jumps: 7 quads planned for his final performance
Malinin expressed his desire to feel confident and healthy for the attempt. He acknowledged the unpredictability of competitive skating, noting that skaters often adjust their plans based on performance and emotional state.
The Quad Axel Challenge
The quad axel is notoriously difficult, as it is the only figure skating jump that begins facing forward, adding an extra half-revolution. This complexity contributes to its challenge, with even elite skaters struggling with its triple version. Several prominent figures in skating had voiced doubt about the feasibility of the quad axel until Malinin landed it successfully during the U.S. International Figure Skating Classic in September 2022.
His technique, which includes spinning at about 340 revolutions per minute, has amazed the skating community. Champion skaters like Scott Hamilton and Kristi Yamaguchi have spoken about the remarkable nature of Malinin’s abilities.
Scoring Potential
The base value of the quad axel stands at 12.5 points, offering a significant scoring advantage over the triple axel, valued at 8.0 points. Malinin has demonstrated his capability in landing multiple quad jumps at previous competitions, including the World Championships, where he achieved a remarkable victory margin.
Commitment to Excellence
Malinin is not just focused on technical mastery; he aims to deliver a clean and impressive performance. While he possesses the skill to attempt high-risk jumps, maintaining consistent excellence in less risky elements is equally critical. Kagiyama and Siao Him Fa have also planned their own quad jumps, but Malinin’s routine exceeds their technical difficulty.
- Kagiyama: 4 quads planned
- Siao Him Fa: 4 quads planned
Son of Olympic skaters, Malinin is driven to elevate the sport. He has previously integrated unique elements into his programs, including a backflip and his signature move, the “raspberry twist.” His passionate approach to performing has been a hallmark of his journey in figure skating.
Looking Ahead
Malinin’s recent performances at the Olympics have displayed a mixture of pressure and promise, with his short program score nearly matching his season-best. As the final event approaches, skaters and fans alike eagerly await the possibility of witnessing history if he successfully executes the quad axel.
