Ilia Malinin, known worldwide as the “Quad God,” is set to lead Team USA figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. The two-time world champion and top-ranked men’s skater is considered a favorite for Olympic gold thanks to his ability to land six different quadruple jumps in a single program.
Raised at the rink by his parents—both former Russian Olympic figure skaters—Malinin has pushed the sport’s technical limits while adding creativity and personality to his performances. His signature “raspberry twist” and fearless approach to difficulty have helped redefine modern men’s figure skating.
Beyond medals, Malinin says his mission is to restore figure skating’s popularity and bring it back to the mainstream spotlight. As he prepares for his Olympic debut in Milan Cortina, Malinin is focused on representing Team USA with pride—and skating his best when it matters most.
More local videos here: https://bit.ly/2Pa0d1l
Subscribe to NEXT: http://bit.ly/2eP1GwI
Stay connected:
9NEWS Website: http://www.9news.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilike9news
X: https://x.com/9NEWS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9newsdenver/
Download the 9NEWS App: https://www.9news.com/appredirect/
Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER: https://www.9news.com/email
9NEWS (KUSA) is located in Denver, Colorado.
28 Comments
Ilia’s parents are originally from Russia, but they competed for Uzbekistan in the Olympics, and for most of their elite figure skating careers.
0:10
Absolutely love Ilia!! QuadGod!!
What does the badge on his jacket, Save the duck, mean?
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
It is pleasure to watch him. Hi is so young and so talented. I hope he is continue to success
Oh no!, hello there! What about those 10 TEN years of YUZURU HANYU' masterpieces perforformances?
he is a dynamic skater…!!! hope he wins gold for every event he enters for years to come….!!!!…proud he represents the US….!!!
Enough of this arrogant and ignorant idiot. He truly depicts the state of sport right now. Such an irritating person.
Hershey’s should sponsor him… Like Skittles did with Marshawn Lynch.
There's a new star on the ice and his name is Ilia
Can’ wait to watch him , wish he was skating for Canada 😢
He’s the only person in the world doing a quad axel, but they are talking about the dumb raspberry twist.
Time for Hershey's to step up and sponsor him!
Too many jumps. Not enough artistic.
Love seeing him skate!
Hershey's stocks gonna skyrocket
Booook
He's doing it! I've always loved ice skating. He's making me obsessed with it!
Gold für Ilia 🌟🏅🌟🌹💛
He’s a brilliant skater. Can’t wait to see him compete in Milan.
Crazy 😭☝️
Ilia you should move to Canada… you picked the wrong country… they do not like Russia… 😮😢
Saying ‘Quad God’ a billion times already is getting really nauseating!
Incredible young man. Congrats Ilia 👍👍💪💪
Lol. His parents are Russian immigrants
It’s Not GOD ..It’s gOd …get it right… the man has the GIFT from GOD ..And Don’t anyone forget it! !!
I do not like his costume selections. They are too girlish/feminine. He needs better costumes. I still hope think he’s the best & hope he wins gold.
Just do better in the future please. 😮😊