Ilia Malinin’s Rise at the 2026 Winter Olympics: Why the ‘Quad God’ Is Leading Men’s Figure Skating

Ilia Malinin, a Team USA star, has captivated millions at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Malinin, 21, has become a global figure skating star at 21 for his technical skill and record-breaking performances.

Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” was the first figure skater to land a fully turned quadruple Axel in international competition. The leap, one of figure skating’s hardest, demands four and a half rotations before landing smoothly. Malinin initially accomplished this during the 2022 CS U.S. International Classic and has duplicated it several times since.

Interestingly, fans and commentators did not call him “Quad God”. Malinin gave it to himself years ago when he updated his Instagram to show his quadruple jump confidence. In interviews, he said the moniker arose from landing a quad and embracing the moment. What started as a bold self-label is now a skate hallmark.

Malinin has also discussed his motivation for pushing himself. He witnessed Japanese skating legend Yuzuru Hanyu try a quadruple Axel in the free skate at the 2022 Olympics. Hanyu crashed on the landing, but Malinin was impressed. He later said seeing the effort made him think he could jump. Malinin landed the quad Axel in competition seven months after that performance, changing figure skating history.

Malinin was born in Fairfax on December 2, 2004, into a sports-loving family. His parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, were Uzbek Winter Olympics figure skaters. Tatiana competed at the 1998 Winter Olympics and qualified again in 2002 but missed due to illness. Roman represented Uzbekistan in 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics.

Despite their Olympic successes, Malinin says his parents initially opposed his skating career. After years of sacrifice, discipline, and pressure to perform at the top level, they hoped he would change course. However, Malinin followed his ice passion. His parents coach now, continuing their sports history. Elli, his younger sister, is a nationally rated junior skater, stressing skating as a family tradition.

Malinin’s competition record is clear. He won two World titles in 2024 and 2025 and four U.S. titles from 2023 to 2026. He owns world junior and senior records for the men’s short program, free skate, and combined scoring. These accomplishments make him one of the most technically adept skaters of his generation.

Malinin debuted at the 2026 Winter Olympics and made an impact. His performance in the men’s free skate helped Team USA win the team event gold. He frequently outscores opponents with his quadruple jump performances.

Malinin led the men’s singles free skate after winning the short program on February 10 by five points over Yuma Kagiyama of Japan. Short program scores are combined with free skate results from February 13 at 1 p.m. ET. He hopes to win individual Olympic gold with a technically hard free skate routine.

Olympic champion and pundit Tara Lipinski recently said Malinin appeared to be competing at a different level than the rest of the field. An increasing number of specialists agree that Malinin is raising the technical ceiling of men’s figure skating.

Ilia Malinin’s performances are shaping medal standings and the sport’s future at the 2026 Winter Olympics. His technical ambition, competitive confidence, and consistent execution make him a notable athlete at these Games. The “Quad God” heralds a new era in Olympic figure skating for many fans worldwide.