Ilia Malinin Adds Olympic Gold to Impressive Medal Haul

The 21-year-old figure skater has won multiple world titles and national championships as well.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old figure skater representing the United States, has already amassed an impressive medal collection despite his young age. Most notably, Malinin won a gold medal as part of the U.S. figure skating team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. He has also claimed two World Championship titles, three consecutive Grand Prix Final titles, and four straight U.S. national championships.

Why it matters

Malinin's rapid rise to the top of figure skating at such a young age is a remarkable achievement. His success has brought pride to his alma mater, George Mason University, where he is currently an exploratory studies major in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Malinin's accomplishments highlight the immense talent and dedication required to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

The details

In his Olympic debut, Malinin became the first George Mason student or alumnus to ever win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. He helped the U.S. figure skating team claim the top spot on the podium on February 7, 2026. While Malinin was unable to medal in the individual figure skating event, he can still be proud of his overall Olympic accomplishments and the other major titles he has won in his young career.

  • Malinin won gold as part of the U.S. figure skating team on February 7, 2026.
  • He has claimed two World Championship titles, in 2024 and 2025.
  • Malinin has won three consecutive Grand Prix Final titles from 2023 to 2025.
  • He has been the U.S. national champion for four straight years, from 2023 to 2026.

The players

Ilia Malinin

A 21-year-old figure skater representing the United States who has won multiple world titles, national championships, and an Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. figure skating team.

George Mason University

The college that Malinin currently attends as an exploratory studies major in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the first institution to have a student or alumnus win a Winter Olympics gold medal.

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What they’re saying

“This is your moment-it's either do or die. You have to go into this 100% and really know that it's all up to you. I went in there with that mindset and really just let everything take its course.”

— Ilia Malinin (Newsweek)

What’s next

Malinin will look to build on his Olympic success and continue his dominance in the figure skating world in the coming years.

The takeaway

At just 21 years old, Ilia Malinin has already cemented his place as one of the top figure skaters in the world, winning an Olympic gold medal, multiple world titles, and national championships. His rapid rise to the top of the sport is a testament to his immense talent and dedication, and he has brought great pride to his alma mater, George Mason University.