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Ilia Malinin, the 20-year-old U.S. figure skating prodigy, is riding high after securing his second consecutive world championship title in Boston in March 2025. Known as the “Quad God” for his groundbreaking quadruple Axel jump—the first ever landed in competition—Malinin is now setting his sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. As he prepares for a busy off-season, including the 2025 Stars on Ice U.S. tour, Malinin recently shared insights into his Olympic preparations, his approach to high-risk jumps, and his excitement for performing across the U.S.
Fresh off a gold-medal performance with Team USA at the 2025 World Team Trophy in Japan, Malinin is taking a brief respite before diving into Olympic training. His off-season plans include joining the Stars on Ice tour, which kicks off in mid-May 2025 with seven U.S. stops: Seattle, Anaheim, San Jose, St. Paul, Hershey, and two nights in Boston, where he recently thrilled his home crowd. The tour offers a chance to connect with fans and explore new cities, a perk Malinin cherishes. “I love the tour because we get to travel as a group, see new places, and just have fun,” he said, noting that he enjoys researching local attractions—like vintage shopping in Japan—upon arriving in each city.
For the tour, Malinin has taken a hands-on approach, choreographing his entire performance himself. “It’s a unique program,” he shared. “I found a piece of music that inspired me, and I experimented on the ice to create something special. I’m excited for fans to see it.” This creative control highlights his artistic growth, complementing his technical prowess.
With the 2026 Milan Olympics (February 6–22) on the horizon, Malinin is carefully crafting his competitive programs. Working with his parents, Roman Skornyakov and Tatyana Malinina, both former competitive skaters, and renowned coach Rafael Arutunian, he’s in the early stages of selecting music, choreography, and costumes. “We’re still figuring things out,” he admitted. “It’s a big season, so I want programs that feel comfortable and let me perform at my best.”
Comfort is a priority in his jump strategy as well. Malinin is known for packing his programs with up to seven quadruple jumps, a feat that has redefined men’s figure skating. However, he’s taking a measured approach for the Olympics, opting for a reliable jump layout over experimental elements like the quad-quad combination recently landed by Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov at the 2025 World Championships. Shaidorov made history with a triple Axel-quadruple toe loop and triple Axel-Euler-quadruple Salchow, but Malinin believes the Olympic season calls for stability. “I have my layout planned,” he explained. “After the Olympics, I’ll play with new combos, like a quad as the second jump. For now, I want a solid foundation to minimize risks.” This strategic restraint underscores his maturity as a competitor aiming for Olympic gold.
Beyond the ice, Malinin is eager to immerse himself in the cultural experiences that come with his travels. The Milan Olympics, in particular, spark his enthusiasm. “I’m really looking forward to Milan because there’ll be time to explore the city, try new foods, and soak in the culture,” he said. This blend of athletic focus and curiosity about the world reflects Malinin’s approach to his career—pushing boundaries in competition while savoring the journey.
His recent performances demonstrate his dominance. At the 2025 World Championships in Boston, Malinin captivated audiences with a backflip and his signature quads, cementing his status as a fan favorite. His leadership in Team USA’s World Team Trophy victory further showcased his ability to perform under pressure. As he prepares for the Stars on Ice tour, Malinin aims to bring that same energy to audiences across the U.S., offering a glimpse of the artistry and athleticism that will define his Olympic campaign.
Ilia Malinin’s rise in figure skating is a story of innovation and resilience. As the first skater to conquer the quadruple Axel, he has already rewritten the sport’s technical possibilities. Yet, his focus remains on consistency and growth as he approaches the 2026 Olympics. With the Stars on Ice tour serving as a creative outlet and a chance to connect with fans, Malinin is poised to inspire both on and off the ice. As he fine-tunes his Olympic programs and dreams of Milan, one thing is clear: the “Quad God” is ready to chase greatness while staying true to his passion for skating and exploration.
By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer
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