What's Happening?
Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old American figure skater, made a strong impression in his Olympic debut by finishing second in the short program of the team event at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Malinin scored
98.00, trailing behind Japan's Yuma Kagiyama, who scored 108.67. Despite narrowly missing the Olympic team in 2022, Malinin has since become a dominant figure in the sport, winning world championships in 2024 and 2025. Known as the 'Quad God' for his ability to land a quadruple axel, Malinin's performance included a backflip, a move recently legalized by the International Skating Union, which captivated the audience. His technical prowess and artistic expression have set a new standard in figure skating, drawing praise from legends like Brian Boitano.
Why It's Important?
Malinin's performance is significant as it highlights the rising talent in American figure skating and the potential for the U.S. to secure a strong position in the sport. His ability to execute complex technical elements, such as the quadruple axel, positions him as a favorite for future individual events. The legalization of the backflip and its inclusion in his routine could attract new fans to figure skating, broadening the sport's appeal. Malinin's success also underscores the importance of innovation and artistic expression in competitive figure skating, potentially influencing future judging criteria and training approaches.
What's Next?
As the team event progresses, the U.S. leads by a point over Japan heading into the free dance. Malinin is expected to continue competing in individual events, where he is a strong contender for gold. His focus will be on maintaining his technical and artistic performance under the pressure of being a favorite. The outcome of the team event and Malinin's individual performances could impact the U.S. team's overall standing and influence future strategies in international competitions.
