Ilia Malinin: The Quad God of Figure Skating
At the Milan Cortina Olympics, Ilia Malinin, often referred to as the “quad god,” continues to excite and intrigue spectators with his bold ambitions in figure skating. The young American athlete is renowned for his attempt at the quad axel, a remarkably challenging maneuver that requires 4.5 rotations in the air—a feat only he has successfully executed in competition to date. Despite his plans showcasing the quad axel in previous programs, Malinin has instead opted for the more conservative triple axel during his team event and individual short program performances.
Strategic Flexibility and Performance Plans
With a commanding lead over rivals Yuma Kagiyama from Japan and France’s Adam Siao Him Fa going into the free skate, Malinin’s five-point advantage affords him some strategic flexibility. This margin could allow him to attempt the quad axel during his final performance without risking his medal position too severely, given the difficulty associated with the jump and the potential for errors.
“I’m hoping that I’ll feel good enough to do it,” Malinin expressed regarding his plans for the upcoming free skate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a focus on health and safety as he prepares mentally for the challenge ahead.
The Complexity of the Quad Axel
The complexity of the quad axel stems from its unique starting position—forward-facing—making it the only jump of its kind to add a half-revolution. This complexity is evident even among the elite, as many skaters struggle with mastering the regular triple axel. Scott Hamilton, the 1984 Olympic champion, noted his astonishment at seeing a quadruple axel achieved, referencing the general perception of its impossibility before Malinin successfully landed it during the U.S. International Figure Skating Classic in September 2022 at just 17 years old.
Historic Success and Competitive Edge
Malinin’s remarkable ability to execute such difficult jumps, like the quad axel—which has a base value of 12.5 points compared to the triple axel’s 8.0—was on full display at last year’s world championships, where he achieved historic success and secured his second consecutive title. Such high-scoring potential sets him apart from competitors like Kagiyama and Siao Him Fa, each of whom are preparing to deliver four quadruples in their routines.
Brian Boitano, the 1988 Olympic champion, advised Malinin to prioritize consistency over sheer technical ambition during this crucial event. Malinin’s competitive spirit pushes him to innovate, a trait displayed when he introduced a backflip into his program after a ban was lifted, astonishing even legendary athletes outside of skating.
A Legacy in the Making
The son of Olympic figure skaters Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, Malinin’s passion for performance shines through as he incorporates unique elements, including his celebrated “raspberry twist”, into his routines — a reference to the Russian word “malina,” meaning raspberry.
Although his earlier performances at the Olympics have been termed lackluster relative to his own high standards, he emerged from the team competition feeling more secure in his abilities, culminating in a strong short program score of 108.16, just shy of his best this season.
As he heads into his final appearance at the Olympics, the stage is set for Ilia Malinin to make a potentially historic leap into the pantheon of skating greatness by attempting the elusive quad axel one more time.
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