Ilia Malinin Redefines Figure Skating with Groundbreaking Quad Axel

Ilia Malinin has captured global attention by becoming the first figure skater to successfully land a quad axel in competition. This remarkable achievement, witnessed during a recent event, positions him as a frontrunner in the sport as the 2024 Olympic Games commence in Milan. Malinin’s journey to this groundbreaking moment began in 2022, when he was inspired by Yuzuru Hanyu‘s ambitious attempt at the same jump during the Winter Olympics.

During the 2022 Olympic Games, Malinin watched in awe as Hanyu attempted the quad axel. Despite under-rotating and falling, the audacity of Hanyu’s attempt ignited Malinin’s determination. “I was just so excited,” Malinin recalled in a recent interview with ESPN. “I thought, ‘Yeah, this looks really possible. I think that I can get this done.'” By May 2022, Malinin showcased his potential, landing a clean quad axel during a training camp.

Fast forward to 2024, and Malinin has emerged as the sport’s leading figure. He holds two world titles and has maintained an undefeated streak since 2023. Last weekend, he played a crucial role in leading the U.S. to a gold medal in the team event, despite not attempting the quad axel during the performance. His consistent excellence has set high expectations as he prepares for the individual men’s competition starting on March 12.

The significance of Malinin’s accomplishment cannot be overstated. Brian Boitano, the 1988 Olympic gold medalist, expressed his admiration for Malinin’s skill, stating, “No matter how easy this looks…any other competitor, asked to do the same performance, wouldn’t even try it because they can’t.” Boitano, who pioneered the quad revolution in the 1980s, emphasized that Malinin’s quad axel is a feat that may not be replicated soon.

The quad axel is distinguished as the most challenging jump in figure skating. Unlike other jumps, it requires an additional half-rotation and takes off facing forward, significantly reducing stability. Boitano explained the intricacies involved: “It requires a perfect position of the upper body…everything needs to be done just right with little room for error.”

While Malinin is not the first to attempt the quad axel in competition—Artur Dmitriev Jr. made the first attempt in 2018, followed by Hanyu in the 2021-2022 season—it was Malinin who achieved the historic landing. Reflecting on that moment, he said, “Honestly, it was just such a rush of emotions when I first landed it in practice… the most satisfying feeling to me.”

The technical mastery and artistry that Malinin brings to his performances have set him apart. His routines often incorporate unique elements, such as the “Raspberry Twist” and a backflip, showcasing both his creativity and athleticism. At the 2024 U.S. Championships in January, Malinin outscored his competitors by substantial margins, emphasizing his dominance in the sport.

He won the ISU Grand Prix Final for the third consecutive year, achieving a record free skate score of 238.24. At the world championships in March, his score of 318.56 was more than 31 points ahead of the second-place finisher, further solidifying his elite status.

As the competition at the Olympic Games unfolds, Malinin is aware of the expectations surrounding him. He aims to approach the event as any other competition, stressing the importance of enjoying the moment and performing to the best of his abilities. “I would consider it a successful Olympics not by a medal around my neck,” he stated, “but if I was satisfied with my performances and had as much fun as possible.”

Despite the pressure, Malinin’s focus remains on leaving a lasting impression rather than simply securing a gold medal. He has even teased the possibility of attempting a quintuple jump in the future, a feat Boitano described as “not even in my dialogue yet.”

As the world watches, Malinin is poised to not only compete but to redefine the boundaries of figure skating. Whether he achieves another groundbreaking feat at the Olympics or not, his impact on the sport is already undeniable.