Ilia Malinin eyes Olympic gold as pressure builds for Milan-Cortina 2026

Two-time world champion Ilia Malinin prepares for 2026 Winter Olympics as the clear favourite in men’s figure skating.

Ilia Malinin of the United States performs during the Exhibition Gala at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 30, 2025. Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Ilia Malinin, the two-time world figure skating champion, is already looking ahead to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where he is expected to be the frontrunner in the men’s competition. At just 20 years old, Malinin has quickly risen to the top of the sport and is embracing the challenge of being the skater to beat on the Olympic stage.

The American sensation, nicknamed the “Quad God” for his unmatched repertoire of quadruple jumps, secured his second straight world title last month in Boston. Now, as he prepares to represent the United States at the World Team Trophy in Tokyo this week, Malinin is taking stock of what lies ahead and how best to manage the mounting expectations.

“Definitely I was made aware of that even last year, being the favourite going into the Olympic year,” Malinin said at a media session in Tokyo. “It might put a lot of pressure on me close to the Olympics, but I want to make sure I get a good strategic plan and really just put myself into that right mental zone to block out all this pressure.”

From missing Beijing to leading the pack for Milan

Malinin’s rise to the pinnacle of men’s figure skating has been nothing short of meteoric. He narrowly missed out on a spot on the U.S. team for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, but has since transformed himself into the sport’s most formidable competitor. His first world title came in Montreal in 2024, followed by an unforgettable performance in Boston this year that saw him land six quadruple jumps during his free skate.

That kind of technical brilliance, combined with growing maturity and artistic flair, has vaulted Malinin to the top of the Olympic conversation. With former champions like Nathan Chen on an indefinite break and Japanese legend Yuzuru Hanyu now retired, Malinin stands alone as the dominant force in men's skating.

But the weight of expectation can be crushing, and Malinin knows that as the world champion, all eyes will be on him. Still, the Virginia-born skater appears undaunted.

“It’s a fresh feeling,” Malinin said of being a back-to-back world champion. “I feel like now I’m able to use that to help me prepare for the Olympic season.”

Team USA’s figure skating resurgence

Malinin isn’t the only American skater entering the Milan-Cortina Olympic cycle on a high. Team USA is enjoying a golden era in figure skating, with a lineup filled with world champions and top contenders. Joining Malinin in Tokyo this week for the World Team Trophy are Alysa Liu, who claimed the women’s title in Boston, and the formidable ice dance duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who also won world gold.

The depth and talent of this U.S. team are unlike anything the sport has seen from the country in recent years. For Malinin, being part of such a strong contingent offers support as well as a competitive spark.

“It’s amazing to be surrounded by such talented teammates,” Malinin said. “We push each other and keep each other motivated.”

The World Team Trophy, held in Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Gymnasium, is one of the few international events where team spirit plays a central role. Skaters compete not just for individual glory, but to earn points for their national team. Alongside the United States, nations like Japan, Georgia, France, Canada, and Italy are also taking part.

Building momentum before Milan-Cortina

With less than a year until the Winter Olympics, Malinin is focused on staying healthy and improving even further. His coach and support team are crafting a careful strategy for the 2025–26 season, ensuring that he peaks at exactly the right time.

A key part of that strategy will be mental preparation. While his technical arsenal is unparalleled — no other skater consistently lands as many quads — it’s the psychological side of the game that often determines Olympic success.

“I want to enjoy the moment but also stay grounded,” Malinin said. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”

Despite his youth, Malinin speaks with the poise of a veteran. Much of that confidence comes from recent results, but also from the self-awareness that comes with pushing boundaries in a high-stakes sport.

The legacy of the “Quad God”

What sets Ilia Malinin apart isn’t just his technical mastery — it’s the way he’s redefining what is possible in men’s skating. His performances regularly draw gasps from crowds and admiration from commentators, not just for the difficulty but for the sheer confidence with which he performs.

In Boston, Malinin’s six quadruple jumps included a quad Axel — a move only he has landed in competition. While other skaters are still catching up, Malinin is already thinking about how to innovate further.

“Of course I want to push the limits, but it’s also about doing it safely and artistically,” he said. “Each season, I try to add something new.”

With Milan-Cortina now looming large, that philosophy will guide his preparation. Whether it’s refining his programs, managing pressure, or simply finding moments to breathe amid the chaos, Malinin’s focus remains sharp.

A champion ready for his moment

As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw closer, Ilia Malinin is stepping into the spotlight with a blend of humility and hunger. He knows the road won’t be easy — the Olympics never are — but he’s ready to face the challenge head-on.

“Being the favourite just means I have to be even more focused,” he said. “I welcome the challenge.”

For now, fans in Tokyo will get another chance to witness the brilliance of the “Quad God” as he leads Team USA in the World Team Trophy. But everyone, including Malinin himself, is already looking ahead to Milan-Cortina — and a chance to etch his name into Olympic history.