Who Is Ilia Malinin?
Where is Ilia Malinin from?
Ilia Malinin was born in Fairfax, Virginia, on December 2, 2004, and has spent most of his life in nearby Vienna. Though he represents the United States, his skating identity has international roots — his parents are from Uzbekistan, and Ilia often describes his heritage as a blend of cultures. Northern Virginia may not be the first place most people associate with world-class figure skating, but the area gave him access to strong training facilities and a family environment that nurtured his extraordinary talent.
Who are Ilia Malinin’s parents and are they figure skaters?
Ilia Malinin is coached by his parents, who both are decorated skaters in their own right. His mother, Tatiana Malinina, was one of the world’s top women's skaters in the late 1990s, winning the 1998-99 Grand Prix Final and Four Continents Championship. His father, Roman Skorniakov, competed for Uzbekistan at two Winter Olympics. After retiring, both began coaching. Malinin’s grandfather, Valery Malinin, a former competitor for the Soviet Union, also is a coach, training skaters in Novosibirsk, Russia.
For Malinin, skating never was just an extracurricular activity, it was part of daily life at home. He often credits his parents with helping him navigate the pressures of international competition in a way few others could.
When did Ilia Malinin start figure skating?
Malinin first stepped on the ice around age six, with his parents guiding his early development. At first, he balanced skating with soccer and other sports, but the ice soon became his passion. By his early teens, he was landing triple jumps with ease and showing early signs of the technical brilliance that would define his career.
How old is Ilia Malinin in 2026?
Malinin will be just 21 years old when the 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Milan Cortina. Despite his youth, he enters the Games as a two-time world champion and the reigning technical innovator in his sport.
Ilia Malinin’s Figure Skating Career
What is Ilia Malinin’s career timeline in figure skating?
Malinin’s rise has been meteoric. He debuted internationally on the junior circuit in 2019, winning the Philadelphia Summer International before placing 16th at the World Junior Championships. By 2021, he was earning Junior Grand Prix gold medals and landing quadruple jumps with consistency. His 2022 season made headlines when he became the first skater to land a quadruple Axel in competition. From there, his trajectory exploded: U.S. national titles, Junior World gold, and a 2023 World Championships bronze. In 2024, he reached the pinnacle by winning his first senior world title in Montreal, setting a free skate world record with six quads. He defended that crown in 2025, solidifying his reputation as the sport’s most dominant force.
How many world championships has Ilia Malinin competed in?
By 2025, Malinin has competed in three consecutive world championships. He earned bronze in his debut in 2023, then captured gold in 2024 and 2025. Each appearance has pushed the boundaries of technical skating, with Malinin’s programs showcasing elements no one else in the field has completed.
Did Ilia Malinin win gold at the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships?
Yes, and in unforgettable fashion. His free skate in Montreal featured six quadruple jumps — including the historic quad Axel — and earned a record-breaking 227.79 points. The performance instantly became one of the most iconic in figure skating history, drawing comparisons to Nathan Chen’s record-setting skate at the 2022 Olympics.
What records has Ilia Malinin set with his quadruple jumps?
Malinin holds multiple records thanks to his quad jumps. He is the first and only skater to land the quadruple Axel in competition. He also has completed programs with six quads, which is something no one else has achieved. Along the way, he has set world-best scores in both free skate and overall totals, proving that his technical arsenal translates into historic results.
Is Ilia Malinin the first skater to land a quadruple Axel in competition?
Yes. Malinin stunned the skating world in September 2022 when he executed the first clean quadruple Axel at the U.S. International Classic in Lake Placid. The jump, requiring 4.5 rotations in the air, long had been considered impossible. His success not only secured his nickname as the “Quad God” but also reset the boundaries of what was achievable on the ice.
How does Ilia Malinin compare to Yuzuru Hanyu and Nathan Chen?
Yuzuru Hanyu and Nathan Chen defined men’s skating for the past decade. Hanyu was celebrated for his artistry and longevity, Chen for his technical revolution and Olympic gold. Malinin stands on their shoulders, combining Chen’s technical daring with a new frontier — the quad Axel — and still working to refine the artistry that made Hanyu beloved worldwide. If Chen raised the ceiling, Malinin has punched through it. Many already see him as the leader of a new era.
What are Ilia Malinin’s ISU Grand Prix results?
Malinin quickly has built an impressive résumé on the Grand Prix circuit. He has captured multiple event titles and back-to-back Grand Prix Final victories in 2023 and 2024. His programs during these competitions often featured six different quad types, setting him apart from the field and underlining his dominance heading into the Olympics.
Ilia Malinin’s Road to 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics
Will Ilia Malinin compete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics?
Barring injury, absolutely. As the reigning world champion and world No. 1, Malinin not only is expected to make Team USA but to lead it. His performances over the last Olympic cycle have cemented his role as America’s best hope for men’s singles gold.
Could Ilia Malinin win Olympic gold at Milan Cortina?
Malinin widely is considered the favorite. His ability to land the most difficult jumps in the sport gives him a margin of advantage no other skater has. If he delivers a clean program, it will be extremely difficult for anyone else to match his technical base value.
What programs and music is Ilia Malinin preparing for Milan Cortina 2026?
For his short program, Malinin will be competing to a medley titled "The Lost Crown," with music by nattura, Vila, 2WEI, Joznez, and Kataem. His free skate also will be a medley, titled, "A Voice," with music by Asaf Avidan, Alan Mayer, Power-Haus and Sergi-Dan Muresan.
How is Ilia Malinin performing in the 2025–26 figure skating season?
Though the season is still unfolding, Malinin entered it as the two-time defending world champion. Early results suggest he remains in peak form, with his quad arsenal intact and his consistency improving. Every outing is treated as a preview of what he might deliver in Italy.
What challenges could Ilia Malinin face at the Milan Cortina Olympics?
Pressure and expectations are his biggest obstacles. Skating at the Olympics is unlike any other competition. Judges also continue to weigh artistry heavily, meaning Malinin must ensure his programs are more than just a parade of quads. The Olympic spotlight is unforgiving, and any mistakes could cost him gold.
How important would Olympic gold be for Ilia Malinin’s legacy?
It would be career-defining. Malinin already has secured his place in history as the “Quad God” and the man who landed the first quad Axel. But Olympic gold would elevate him from innovator to legend, putting him in the same breath as Hanyu and Chen.
Why are fans searching “Ilia Malinin Milan Cortina Olympics 2026”?
Malinin represents a generational shift in skating. His daring jumps, viral performances, and historic achievements already have captivated fans worldwide. The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics offers the chance for him to etch his name into Olympic history.
Ilia Malinin Career Highlights and Records
What are Ilia Malinin’s career highlights in figure skating?
Highlights include being the first skater to land a quad Axel in competition (2022), winning three straight U.S. national titles (2023–25), earning bronze at the 2023 Worlds, and then back-to-back world championships in 2024 and 2025. He also has claimed multiple Grand Prix titles and holds world-best scores in the free skate.
How many quadruple jumps can Ilia Malinin land?
All of them. Malinin is the only skater capable of executing all six recognized quads, including the once-impossible Axel. It’s not just the number of jumps, but his ability to perform them consistently in competition that makes him unique.
Has Ilia Malinin landed a six-quad program in competition?
Yes. At major competitions like the World Figure Skating Championships and Grand Prix Final, Malinin has performed programs with six successful quads.
What titles has Ilia Malinin won at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships?
He is a three-time U.S. champion, claiming gold in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Each title came with programs that redefined technical possibility at the national level.
Has Ilia Malinin broken Nathan Chen’s records?
He has surpassed Chen’s free skate record and achieved technical milestones beyond Chen’s era. However, Chen’s Olympic gold remains a marker Malinin is still chasing. The 2026 Games could be the moment he steps fully past Chen’s shadow.
How does Ilia Malinin rank in ISU world standings?
As of 2025, Malinin leads the ISU world rankings for men’s singles, a testament to his consistency across Grand Prix, national, and world events.
Ilia Malinin Fun Facts and Personal Life
What skate brand and gear does Ilia Malinin use?
While details vary by season, Malinin uses top-line figure skating boots and blades customized for his jumping power. His equipment is carefully chosen to withstand the demands of six-quad programs and the shock impact of the quad Axel.
How many followers does Ilia Malinin have on Instagram?
Malinin’s Instagram account, fittingly named @quadg0d, has hundreds of thousands of followers and continues to grow as fans tune in for training clips, behind-the-scenes content, and glimpses of his life off the ice.
What are Ilia Malinin’s hobbies outside of figure skating?
Away from the rink, Malinin is a college student, balancing academics with competition. He enjoys music, video games, and spending time with friends, often sharing that downtime on social media. Despite his superstar status, he still comes across as a relatable 21-year-old.
What are some fun facts about Ilia Malinin’s career and personality?
- He was named to Time magazine’s “Time 100 Next” list in 2022
- He frequently trains to rap and hip-hop tracks, and often brings those sounds into competition
- He’s incorporated backflips and playful moves into exhibitions, delighting audiences with his creativity
- His calm demeanor under pressure has earned him a reputation as unshakable