Ilia Malinin: ‘Quad God’ Leads Team USA to Gold at Milano Cortina 2026
MILAN, 10 February 2026 — American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin has officially cemented his status as the sport’s dominant force, leading the United States to a second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the team event. As the 21-year-old prepares for the individual men’s short program today, his performance in the opening days of the Winter Games has already left spectators and fellow athletes in awe.
Olympic Triumph in the Team Event
The United States defended its Olympic team title on Sunday, 8 February, largely on the back of Malinin’s technical prowess. Despite what critics described as a “scruffy” outing in the initial short program phase on Saturday, Malinin rebounded in the free skate to secure the top spot for his country.
In the team free skate, Malinin opted for a strategic approach, omitting his signature quadruple Axel to ensure consistency. Even without the historic jump, he landed five quadruple jumps, scoring 200.03 points. This performance allowed Team USA to hold off a resurgent Japanese team, led by Yuma Kagiyama and Sato Shun, while host nation Italy claimed the bronze medal.
The Evolution of the ‘Quad God’
Malinin’s rise to the top of the figure skating world has been defined by his unprecedented technical ability. He remains the only skater in history to successfully land the quadruple Axel in competition—a jump previously considered “unreachable.”
Career Milestones and Records
Before arriving in Milan, Malinin had already rewritten the record books. He entered the 2026 Winter Olympics as the two-time reigning World Champion (2024, 2025) and a three-time U.S. Champion. He currently holds the senior world record for the men’s free skate score.
| Competition | Gold Medal Year(s) | Other Medals |
|---|---|---|
| World Championships | 2024, 2025 | Bronze (2023) |
| World Junior Championships | 2022 | — |
| U.S. Championships | 2023, 2024, 2025 | — |
| Olympic Games (Team) | 2026 | — |
Family Heritage
Born in Fairfax, Virginia, Malinin began skating at the age of six. He is the son of Tatyana Malinina and Roman Skornyakov, both of whom were Olympic figure skaters representing Uzbekistan. His parents serve as his primary coaches, blending traditional technique with the high-velocity rotations that have earned him his nickname.
The Individual Quest for Gold
As of Tuesday afternoon, 10 February, the focus shifts to the Men’s Individual Short Program. Malinin is scheduled to take the ice at 5:31 p.m. ET. Early reports from the arena indicate that Malinin may reintroduce the quadruple Axel and a backflip—a move recently legalised in competition—into his individual routines to distance himself from his closest rival, Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama.
Financial analysts note that Malinin’s success has made him the highest-paid skater at these Games, earning approximately $700,000 in the 12 months leading up to the 2026 Olympics through endorsements and prize money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Ilia Malinin won an Olympic gold medal?
Yes. As of 8 February 2026, Ilia Malinin is an Olympic gold medallist in the figure skating team event. He is currently competing for a second gold medal in the men’s individual event.
What is the ‘Quad God’ nickname?
The nickname refers to Malinin’s ability to land all six types of quadruple jumps, including the quadruple Axel, which requires four and a half rotations in the air. He is the first and only person to land the quad Axel in a sanctioned competition.
Who are Ilia Malinin’s parents?
His parents are Tatyana Malinina and Roman Skornyakov. Both were professional figure skaters who competed in the Winter Olympics for Uzbekistan during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
How old is Ilia Malinin?
Ilia Malinin is 21 years old during the 2026 Winter Olympics.