The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, witnessed a truly remarkable moment in men’s figure skating as American phenom Ilia Malinin delivered a breathtaking short program. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the 21-year-old skater, widely known as the “Quad God,” established himself as the undeniable frontrunner for the coveted individual Olympic gold medal. His commanding performance left spectators and judges alike in awe, setting a new benchmark for technical prowess and artistic expression on the ice.
Malinin’s exceptional routine wasn’t just a series of difficult jumps; it was a masterful blend of power, precision, and passionate artistry. He approached each element with a focused intensity, embodying the “warrior spirit” that has become his signature. As he glided across the ice, every movement was deliberate, every transition seamless, captivating the audience from start to finish. This dominant showing has firmly positioned him at the pinnacle of men’s figure skating as the Games progress.
The Quad God’s Reign: A Masterclass in Olympic Figure Skating
Ilia Malinin’s performance in the men’s figure skating short program was a testament to his nickname, “Quad God.” From the moment he launched into his opening quad flip, the arena buzzed with anticipation. He executed it with flawless precision, a move that immediately signaled his intent to dominate. This was just the beginning of a routine packed with high-difficulty elements performed with astounding grace. The quad flip is a challenging jump, requiring immense power and control to rotate four times in the air before a clean landing. Malinin made it look effortless, earning high marks from the judges and enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Following his powerful opening, Malinin seamlessly transitioned into a gracefully executed triple axel. This iconic jump, though technically demanding, flowed beautifully within his program, showcasing his ability to combine explosive athleticism with elegant control. He then moved into a dynamic change camel spin, demonstrating his flexibility and intricate edge work. The sheer difficulty and perfect execution of these early elements underscored Malinin’s readiness for Olympic glory.
Unpacking Malinin’s Electrifying Technical Program
The crescendo of Ilia Malinin’s short program arrived with his quad Lutz triple toe loop combination. This sequence is notoriously difficult, demanding perfect timing and extraordinary strength. As he landed it, a visible fist pump and a subtle smile crossed his face, conveying the internal satisfaction of a perfectly executed element. This moment encapsulated his confidence and the meticulous training behind his performance. The energy in the Milan arena reached a fever pitch, with fans recognizing the magnitude of what they were witnessing.
To further amplify the program’s excitement, Malinin incorporated a daring backflip – a move rarely seen in competitive figure skating due to its non-scoring nature but immense crowd-pleasing effect. This audacious flourish brought the entire arena to its feet, adding a theatrical flair to his already impressive technical display. He concluded his program with a series of intricate spins, showcasing his exceptional core strength and artistry, solidifying his lead. NBC broadcaster Johnny Weir aptly summarized the sentiment, declaring, “He is the benchmark,” as Malinin awaited his scores. His score of 108.16 points placed him significantly ahead of Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama (103.07) and France’s Adam Siao Him Fa (102.55), setting a formidable standard for the competition.
Pathway to Gold: Building on Previous Olympic Success
This stunning short program is not Ilia Malinin’s first taste of Olympic success in Milan. He had already contributed significantly to Team USA’s gold medal victory in the mixed team event earlier in the Games. In that competition, which concluded last week, Malinin showcased his prowess in the free skate portion, earning an impressive 200.03 points. This pivotal performance secured 10 points for the American team, proving crucial to their back-to-back team titles. His ability to deliver under pressure was evident then, and it continues to shine in the individual event.
It’s worth noting that the path to individual gold is often fraught with unexpected turns. Earlier in the Games, during the team event’s men’s short program on February 8th, Malinin had faced a challenge, scoring 98.00 points, which placed him behind Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama (108.67). This earlier experience, where he notably did not attempt his signature quad axel, only seems to have fueled his determination. His dominant individual short program on February 10th demonstrates a sharpened focus and an unwavering resolve to claim the top spot.
The Evolution of the Quad: Malinin’s Impact on Figure Skating
The “Quad God” moniker bestowed upon Ilia Malinin highlights his mastery of quad jumps, which have revolutionized men’s figure skating. These four-revolution jumps, once considered nearly impossible, are now essential for top-tier competitors. Malinin, with his repertoire of quad flip, quad Lutz, quad Salchow, and even the elusive quad Axel (though not featured in this specific short program), pushes the boundaries of what’s achievable on ice. His consistent execution of these high-value elements elevates the sport, inspiring future generations of skaters to aim higher.
The men’s singles free skating event, scheduled for Friday, will be the ultimate test of Malinin’s Olympic journey. With a substantial lead from the short program, he has a strong advantage, but the free skate is longer, with more elements, leaving ample room for strategic play and unexpected turns. His fans, alongside all of Team USA, will eagerly anticipate his final performance, hoping to see him secure his first individual Olympic gold medal. The anticipation is palpable as the world awaits another memorable performance from this Virginia native.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ilia Malinin’s quad jumps so impressive?
Ilia Malinin’s quad jumps are exceptional due to their consistent execution, height, and airtime, which allow him to complete four rotations cleanly. His ability to perform a variety of quad jumps, including the quad flip, quad Lutz, and the record-setting quad Axel (though not in this specific program), showcases a rare combination of explosive power, precise control, and technical mastery. These jumps carry the highest base value in figure skating, and Malinin’s clean landings often earn significant GOE (Grade of Execution) points, setting him apart as the “Quad God.”
When is Ilia Malinin’s men’s free skate event at the Milan Olympics?
Ilia Malinin is scheduled to compete in the men’s singles free skating event on Friday, following his dominant short program performance on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This free skate will be the decisive program in determining the individual Olympic gold medalist in men’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Fans can anticipate another high-stakes, technically complex routine from the American sensation.
How does Ilia Malinin’s short program performance impact his chances for individual Olympic gold?
Ilia Malinin’s stellar short program performance, earning him 108.16 points and a significant lead over his closest competitors, dramatically boosts his chances for individual Olympic gold. By establishing a comfortable points cushion, he gains a strategic advantage heading into the free skate. This lead allows for a small margin of error and puts immense pressure on his rivals to deliver near-perfect, higher-scoring programs. His commanding lead means the gold medal is now firmly within his grasp, contingent on a strong free skate.
