Skater Ilia Malinin Wins Olympic Gold, Called 'Quad God'

Figure skater Ilia Malinin has won a gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics team event. He is called the 'Quad God' because he does many difficult jumps. People are excited to watch him in his next events.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

The stage is set for Ilia Malinin, a young figure skater, who has rapidly ascended to prominence, capturing a gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics team event. His remarkable skills, particularly his quadruple jumps and backflips, have earned him the moniker "Quad God." As the competition unfolds, Malinin stands as a significant figure, with expectations high for his individual performance. The skater's journey to this point is marked by early dedication and a series of notable achievements, positioning him as a focal point in the world of figure skating.

Background and Rise to Prominence

Ilia Malinin, born in Fairfax, Virginia, began his figure skating journey at the age of seven. His parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, both former Olympians themselves, also serve as his coaches, providing a deep-rooted foundation in the sport. This familial connection underscores a lifelong immersion in figure skating.

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  • Malinin's training began at a very young age, suggesting a long-term development strategy.

  • His parents' experience as Olympians and coaches offers a unique perspective and guidance.

  • The skater has consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport with his technical prowess.

Malinin's ascent has been rapid, marked by consistent victories. He has not lost a competition in approximately two years leading up to the Olympics. His signature moves, including the backflip—a move with a complex history in the sport—and his ability to land multiple quadruple jumps, have set him apart. He is also noted for his potential to be the first skater to perform a quad Axel at the Olympic Winter Games.

Meet Ilia Malinin, the highest-paid 2026 Olympic figure skater nicknamed the 'Quad God' for his gravity-defying routines - 1

  • His performance in the team event saw him contribute significantly to Team USA's gold medal.

  • In the team event's Men's Short Program, Malinin placed second, while he secured first place in the Men's Free Skate.

  • His individual events are scheduled for February 10th.

Olympic Performance: Team Event Success

Ilia Malinin played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal for Team USA in the figure skating team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. While he finished second in the Men's Short Program within the team competition, his exceptional performance in the Men's Free Skate was crucial in clinching the victory.

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  • Malinin's short program in the team event was described as performing at "50 percent of his potential," suggesting room for further improvement.

  • He was noted to have found his "mojo again" after the team event.

  • Despite being a favorite, he secured second place in the Men's Short Program for the team event.

  • He later won the Men's Free Skate, directly contributing to the gold medal win.

The skater expressed pride in his achievements, stating, "I'm proud of everything I wanted to achieve." His presence on the ice at the Milano Ice Skating Arena drew significant attention, with the crowd giving him the largest ovation during the warm-up.

Meet Ilia Malinin, the highest-paid 2026 Olympic figure skater nicknamed the 'Quad God' for his gravity-defying routines - 2

Technical Prowess and Public Perception

Malinin is widely recognized for his exceptional technical skills, particularly his ability to execute multiple quadruple jumps. This proficiency has led to his nickname, "Quad God," reflecting the awe and admiration he commands from fans and experts alike. His routines are described as "gravity-defying," showcasing a level of athleticism and difficulty rarely seen in the sport.

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  • The nickname "Quad God" directly stems from his mastery of quadruple jumps.

  • His backflips, while not new to figure skating, are a notable and crowd-pleasing element of his routines.

  • Comparisons have been made to significant historical moments, with one description calling his performance "like watching the moon landing."

His consistent wins and record-breaking potential have positioned him as a favorite for the individual gold medal. The anticipation surrounding his performances highlights the impact he has already made on the sport at such a young age.

Meet Ilia Malinin, the highest-paid 2026 Olympic figure skater nicknamed the 'Quad God' for his gravity-defying routines - 3

Financial Standing and Future Prospects

Reports suggest that Ilia Malinin is among the highest-paid figure skaters, indicating his marketability and the value placed on his talent. While specific figures are not detailed in the provided reports, his status as a top contender and Olympic gold medalist strongly implies significant earning potential.

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  • His success translates into commercial opportunities and endorsements.

  • The "highest-paid" status suggests a lucrative career trajectory.

Malinin's journey in the 2026 Olympics is far from over, with individual competitions still to come. His performances thus far have solidified his reputation, and the world will be watching to see if he can further cement his legacy.

Meet Ilia Malinin, the highest-paid 2026 Olympic figure skater nicknamed the 'Quad God' for his gravity-defying routines - 4

Expert Analysis

The commentary surrounding Ilia Malinin frequently emphasizes his unique position in figure skating. His technical capabilities are often highlighted as groundbreaking.

"U.S. figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin is unlike any other skater in the world, and that will become certain as he steps onto Olympic ice for the first time."

This sentiment reflects the general consensus that Malinin represents a new era of technical difficulty and athletic performance in figure skating.

Conclusion

Ilia Malinin has emerged as a dominant force in figure skating, highlighted by his gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics team event and his acclaimed nickname, "Quad God." His early start, coupled with the guidance of his Olympian parents and coaches, has laid the groundwork for his impressive technical skills, including his renowned quadruple jumps and backflips. Having already achieved significant success and not having lost a competition in nearly two years, Malinin has become a clear favorite for the individual gold medal. His performances are generating considerable excitement, positioning him not only as a top athlete but also as a significant figure in the sport's ongoing evolution. The anticipation for his individual events suggests that his Olympic journey is a defining moment in his career and for figure skating.

Read More: Ilia Malinin Does Olympic Backflip, But It Doesn't Get Points

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Ilia Malinin?
Ilia Malinin is a young figure skater who won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Q: Why is he called 'Quad God'?
He is called 'Quad God' because he is very good at doing difficult jumps called quadruple jumps.
Q: What did he win?
He won a gold medal in the team figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Q: When are his next events?
His individual events are scheduled for February 10th.