By admin 
The ice of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics has become a canvas for artistry and athletic prowess, and at its center, Ilia Malinin, affectionately known as the "Quad God," has once again captivated the world. His latest performance, a breathtaking display of skill and courage, not only secured a historic gold medal for Team USA in the team event but also reignited discussions about the evolution of figure skating. Malinin’s daring backflip, a move outlawed for nearly half a century due to safety concerns, was the highlight of his performance, marking a significant moment in the sport’s history. The last skater to successfully land this gravity-defying maneuver at the Olympic Games was fellow American Terry Kubicka in 1976.
Malinin’s performance wasn’t just about a single spectacular element; it was a testament to his complete "warrior spirit" on the ice. This spirit, combined with his unparalleled technical ability, has propelled him to the forefront of men’s figure skating. As he prepares for Friday’s men’s free skate, Malinin enters the competition not just as a contender, but as the overwhelming gold medal favorite. The anticipation surrounding his potential attempt at the first-ever Olympic quadruple axel is palpable, a jump widely considered the most challenging in figure skating.
The decision by the International Skating Union (ISU) to lift the ban on somersaults in June 2024 proved to be a watershed moment, paving the way for Malinin’s historic backflip. Previously deemed too dangerous, these acrobatic elements were removed from competition following the 1976 Olympics. An agenda from an ISU meeting at the time articulated the shift in perspective, stating, "Somersault type jumps are very spectacular and nowadays it is not logical anymore to include them as illegal movements." This change in regulations has allowed skaters like Malinin to push the boundaries of what is possible on the ice, blending traditional figure skating elegance with daredevil athleticism.
While the backflip itself doesn’t carry a specific point value in the ISU scoring system, its impact on a performance is undeniable, both in terms of audience engagement and the sheer difficulty executed. Malinin himself has spoken about the thrill of performing such a move. "It gets that audience applause, feels really suspenseful and I really just like doing it," he admitted last season. This sentiment underscores the dual nature of his performance: a calculated risk for the crowd and a personal expression of his passion for the sport.
However, Malinin is also known for his judicious approach to the most demanding jumps. He understands the importance of health and safety, especially in the high-stakes environment of the Olympics. "I’m hoping that I’ll feel good enough to do it (on Friday)," he told reporters on Tuesday, referring to the potential quad axel attempt. "But, of course, I always prioritize health and safety, so I really want to put myself in the right mindset where I’ll feel really confident to go into it and not have that as something that I’m going to risk." This measured approach highlights his maturity as an athlete, balancing his ambition with a clear understanding of his physical limitations and the long-term implications of his career.
The term "Quad God" has become synonymous with Malinin, a moniker earned through his mastery of quadruple jumps. He is one of the few skaters in history to consistently land multiple quadruple jumps in a single program, a feat that requires immense power, precision, and technical expertise. His ability to execute these difficult elements with apparent ease has revolutionized the sport and set a new benchmark for aspiring skaters. The sheer number of rotations in the air during a quadruple jump—four full revolutions—is astonishing, and Malinin’s consistency in landing them has placed him in a league of his own.
Beyond the technical aspects, Malinin is also celebrated for his artistry and performance quality. While the focus often shifts to the jumps, his programs are meticulously choreographed, showcasing his musicality and ability to connect with the audience. This holistic approach to skating is what distinguishes him as a complete package, capable of not only dazzling with his technical prowess but also captivating with his expressive performances. The judges, and indeed the fans, appreciate a skater who can deliver both the spectacular and the sublime.
The journey to Olympic gold is rarely a straight line, and Malinin’s path has been marked by dedication, relentless training, and a willingness to push boundaries. Born in Fullerton, California, Malinin has represented the United States internationally since 2018. His rise through the junior ranks was meteoric, and he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the senior circuit. His early successes foreshadowed the dominance he would later exhibit, and his Olympic performance is the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina represent a significant chapter in Malinin’s burgeoning career. The team event gold medal is a significant achievement, but the individual men’s event is where he has the opportunity to etch his name further into the annals of figure skating history. The potential for him to attempt and land the quadruple axel on the Olympic stage is a prospect that has sent ripples of excitement through the figure skating community worldwide. This jump, with its 4.5 rotations, is the Everest of figure skating jumps, and Malinin is one of the very few skaters in the world even capable of contemplating it.
The history of the quadruple axel is one of near misses and legendary attempts. Many skaters have trained for it, but few have come close to landing it cleanly in competition. If Malinin succeeds, it will be a moment that transcends the sport, celebrated by athletes and fans alike as a testament to human potential and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It would solidify his legacy not just as the "Quad God," but as a true pioneer who redefined the limits of what is possible in figure skating.
The current judging system, the International Judging System (IJS), is designed to reward both technical difficulty and the quality of execution. Malinin’s ability to pack his programs with high-value quadruple jumps, coupled with his strong component scores, makes him an incredibly formidable competitor. The risk involved in attempting the quad axel is immense, but the potential reward, both in terms of points and historical significance, is equally colossal. The judges will be scrutinizing every aspect of his performance, from the take-off and rotation to the landing and subsequent execution.
The context of the ISU’s decision to re-allow somersaults is also important. For years, the sport had moved away from these more acrobatic elements, focusing on jumps and spins that emphasized grace and flow. However, the resurgence of interest in these more dynamic moves, spearheaded by skaters like Malinin, has prompted a re-evaluation. The ISU’s acknowledgement that these jumps are "spectacular" suggests a recognition of their entertainment value and their potential to draw in new audiences to the sport. This inclusivity can only serve to broaden the appeal of figure skating.
Malinin’s own perspective on the backflip, that he "really just likes doing it," speaks volumes about his intrinsic motivation. While the pressure of the Olympics and the quest for gold are undeniable, it is clear that he also skates for the sheer joy of it. This passion is infectious and contributes to his captivating performances. His ability to balance the immense physical demands of his sport with a genuine love for performing is a rare and valuable combination.
As the world watches on Friday, the focus will be on Malinin and his pursuit of history. Whether he attempts the quadruple axel or focuses on a flawless execution of his existing repertoire, his presence on the ice is already a significant event. The "Quad God" has proven time and again that he is capable of extraordinary feats, and the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics may very well be the stage for his most defining moment yet. His journey is a powerful reminder that with dedication, courage, and a touch of daring, even the most seemingly impossible barriers can be overcome. The legacy of Ilia Malinin is still being written, jump by spectacular jump, on the Olympic ice.