Quad God' Ilia Malinin Soars at 2026 Olympics

21-year-old American figure skater lands gravity-defying jumps and backflips, becoming highest-paid Olympian in his sport.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Ilia Malinin, the 21-year-old American figure skater known as the 'Quad God', is one of the breakout stars of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Malinin, who was born in Fairfax, Virginia to Russian immigrant parents, is the first and only skater to land a quadruple axel in competition. He has also included backflips in his Olympic routines, a move that was banned until 2024. Malinin is believed to be the highest-paid figure skater at the 2026 Olympics, earning an estimated $700,000 from sponsorships over the last year.

Why it matters

Malinin's gravity-defying jumps and innovative routines have captivated audiences and cemented his status as one of the top figure skaters in the world. His success also highlights the growing commercialization and professionalization of Olympic figure skating, with top athletes like Malinin earning lucrative sponsorship deals.

The details

Malinin began figure skating at age 7 and is coached by his Russian immigrant parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, who represented Uzbekistan in the 1998 and 2002 Olympics. He trains in Reston, Virginia and is a student at George Mason University. In addition to landing the first-ever quadruple axel in competition, Malinin has also included backflips in his routines, a move that was banned until 2024. Malinin helped Team USA secure the gold medal in the team figure skating competition, landing five quadruple jumps in his free skate.

  • Malinin began figure skating at age 7.
  • Malinin's parents represented Uzbekistan at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano and the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.
  • Malinin landed the first-ever quadruple axel in competition.
  • The International Skating Union lifted the ban on backflips in 2024.
  • Malinin competed in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, winning gold in the team event and competing in the individual Men's Short Program on February 10 and the individual Men's Free Skate on February 13.

The players

Ilia Malinin

A 21-year-old American figure skater known as the 'Quad God' for his gravity-defying jumps and routines. Malinin is a two-time world champion and one of Team USA's breakout stars at the 2026 Olympics.

Tatiana Malinina

Ilia Malinin's mother, who was born in Russia and represented Uzbekistan at the 1998 and 2002 Olympics. She now serves as Ilia's coach.

Roman Skorniakov

Ilia Malinin's father, who was born in Russia and represented Uzbekistan at the 1998 and 2002 Olympics. He now serves as Ilia's coach.

Ellie "Liza" Beatrice Malinina

Ilia Malinin's younger sister, who is also a competitive figure skater.

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What’s next

Malinin will compete in the individual Men's Short Program on February 10 and the individual Men's Free Skate on February 13 at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

The takeaway

Ilia Malinin's success at the 2026 Olympics, including his record-breaking quadruple jumps and innovative routines, has cemented his status as one of the top figure skaters in the world and a rising commercial star in the sport.