MILAN, 22 February 2026 – American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin, widely known as the “Quad God,” concluded his rollercoaster debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics with an emotional and triumphant performance during the Exhibition Gala on Sunday. While the Games delivered a shocking result in the individual event, Malinin leaves Milan-Cortina as an Olympic gold medallist in the team event and a history-maker who pushed the boundaries of human performance.
Olympic Gala: A Cathartic Farewell
Following a disappointing eighth-place finish in the men’s individual competition last week, Malinin returned to the ice for the Exhibition Gala on 21 February 2026. Performing to the song “Fear,” the 21-year-old delivered what critics described as a “cathartic” and “powerful” routine. The highlight of the performance was a signature backflip, a move recently legalised in competition, which served as a defiant and celebratory end to his first Olympic appearance.
The gala performance was seen as a “best comeback” moment by spectators, allowing Malinin to share a message of resilience after his free skate struggles. Despite the individual setback, he remains one of the most decorated skaters of the current era, having already secured a gold medal for Team USA in the figure skating team event earlier in the Games.
The “Quad God” Legacy and Records
Malinin’s career has been defined by technical feats previously thought impossible. He remains the first and only skater to successfully land the quadruple Axel in international competition, a feat he first achieved in September 2022. In March 2025, he further cemented his legacy by becoming the first skater to land all six types of quadruple jumps in a single program during the World Championships in Boston.
| Achievement / Title | Year(s) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medallist | 2026 | Team Event (Team USA) |
| World Champion | 2024, 2025 | Two-time consecutive champion |
| World Junior Champion | 2022 | Current world junior record holder |
| U.S. National Champion | 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 | Four-time national title holder |
| Quadruple Axel Record | 2022 | First skater to land the jump in competition |
| Free Skate World Record | 2024 | Scored 227.79 points in Montreal |
Analysis of the 2026 Individual Event
Entering the 2026 Winter Olympics as the heavy favourite for individual gold, Malinin’s eighth-place finish on 13 February 2026 stunned the sporting world. After a strong short program, Malinin suffered two falls during his free skate and was forced to downgrade several planned quadruple jumps. Judges’ scores reflected a loss of control during the latter half of the routine, which Malinin later described by saying, “I just felt like I had no control.”
Despite the individual result, public and peer support has remained high. Former Olympians and fans have rallied around the skater, noting that his technical contributions—including a never-before-seen “Rippon” variant of the quad Axel landed during practice in Milan—continue to redefine the sport’s “biological ceiling.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ilia Malinin called the “Quad God”?
Malinin adopted the nickname after becoming the first person to land the quadruple Axel, the hardest jump in figure skating. He is also the only skater to have landed all six types of quadruple jumps (Toe Loop, Salchow, Loop, Flip, Lutz, and Axel) in a single competitive program.
Did Ilia Malinin win a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Yes. While he finished eighth in the individual men’s event, he won a gold medal as part of Team USA in the figure skating team event earlier in the Milan-Cortina Games.
What happened during his 2026 Olympic free skate?
Malinin fell twice and struggled with the landing of several other jumps, leading to a lower technical score than expected. He cited a lack of control during the performance, which resulted in him missing the podium in the individual category.
Where does Ilia Malinin go to university?
Ilia Malinin is a student at George Mason University in Virginia, balancing his world-class skating career with his academic studies.