Ilia Malinin, Who Led the U.S. to Gold, Is Bringing Ice Skating Back Into the Limelight

Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old figure skater, is competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where he already helped the United States win a team gold medal. Malinin, known as the "Quad God," is pushing the boundaries of the sport with innovative and difficult jumps, including the quadruple axel. He is the son of two Russian-born Olympic figure skaters, and is now showcasing his talent on the world's biggest stage. Malinin hopes to capture an individual medal and bring renewed attention to figure skating in America. His unique style and athleticism are drawing comparisons to a skater from the future, potentially revolutionizing the sport.