American ‘Quad God’ Ilia Malinin carries 5-point lead into the free skate at Olympics

Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” is on the verge of making history at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The 21-year-old American figure skater has dominated the sport for over two years, winning 14 consecutive competitions, including the last two world titles and four U.S. championships. His impressive record includes setting multiple world records, most notably scoring 238.24 points in the free skate, securing a 30-point victory at the Grand Prix Final in December.

Malinin currently holds a five-point lead over his closest rivals, Yuma Kagiyama of Japan and Adam Siao Him Fa of France, after the short program. With his unbeatable track record and seven quadruple jumps scheduled for his free skate, Malinin is poised to secure the gold medal in the men’s event.

Despite the pressure of being the favorite, Malinin remains focused on putting in the work required to deliver a flawless performance. His confidence stems from his consistent success on the ice and his unwavering determination to push the boundaries of the sport.

One of the most anticipated moments of the competition is whether Malinin will attempt the first quad axel in Olympic history. As the only skater to successfully land the jump in competition, Malinin faces the challenge of executing a complex maneuver that few have dared to attempt.

As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on Malinin as he seeks to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest figure skaters of his generation. With his unmatched skill and unwavering determination, Malinin is poised to make history at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

For more updates on the Winter Olympics, visit https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics.