Quadruple Axel pioneer Malinin targets gold at Milano Cortina
World champion Ilia Malinin is poised to make his highly anticipated Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
The 21-year-old American sensation has transformed figure skating, arriving as a double world champion and a three-time Grand Prix Final winner.
A legacy written in the air
Malinin made sporting history in 2022 by becoming the first athlete to successfully land a quadruple Axel in competition. This technical feat, previously considered impossible, has become a hallmark of his high-velocity programs.
The athlete’s success is rooted in a deep family tradition. His parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, were elite figure skaters who represented Uzbekistan at Olympic Games.
From the sidelines to center ice
"Initially, my parents did not want me to practice figure skating because they knew how difficult it is," Malinin recalled. He spent his early childhood watching them train before finding his own passion for the ice.
What began as a recreational activity quickly turned into a professional pursuit. Malinin's approach to the upcoming Winter Games remains focused on technical execution rather than the pressure of the podium.
Focus on performance over pressure
"I don't think about the medal. I always try to perform better from one competition to the next," Malinin stated. He emphasized that his primary goal is to reach peak form and deliver his best possible performance in Italy.
International audiences can follow Malinin’s journey during the 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 22.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
