In the run-up to the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, men’s figure skating is entering a period of noticeable transformation. The discipline is becoming more athletic, technically ambitious and visually dynamic. At the centre of this shift stands Ilia Malinin, a skater whose approach to competition combines extreme technical difficulty with a new generation’s mindset. His performances are increasingly viewed not only as competitive routines but also as indicators of how the sport itself is evolving.
The Rise of a Technically Revolutionary Skater
Ilia Malinin first drew global attention in 2022 when he successfully landed the quad Axel in competition — a jump long considered one of the most difficult elements in figure skating. The quad Axel involves four and a half rotations in the air and requires extraordinary power, timing and spatial awareness. While other elite skaters had attempted it for years, Malinin became the first to execute it cleanly under competition conditions.
This achievement immediately positioned him among the most technically advanced athletes in the history of the sport. Judges, analysts and former champions began referring to him as a representative of a new generation capable of redefining the limits of jump difficulty. In modern scoring systems, where base value plays a major role, the ability to consistently land ultra-complex jumps offers a considerable advantage.
By the 2024–2025 season Malinin had already secured several major titles, including the 2024 World Championship in Montreal. His programmes featured multiple quadruple jumps — often five or more — which significantly increased their technical value. This consistency made him one of the primary contenders for Olympic gold at Milano Cortina 2026.
Why the Quad Axel Changed the Competitive Landscape
The quad Axel is not simply another jump added to a programme. Its base value in the ISU scoring system exceeds that of other quadruple jumps, meaning a successful execution can shift the balance of an entire competition. Skaters capable of landing it gain a measurable scoring advantage even before judges evaluate the quality of execution.
Malinin’s success with the element has already influenced training strategies among younger skaters. Coaches increasingly emphasise explosive take-off power and rotation speed, two qualities essential for the jump. Training centres in the United States, Japan and South Korea have begun incorporating specialised drills focused on Axel mechanics.
This shift illustrates how one athlete’s technical innovation can influence the direction of an entire discipline. In previous decades, the quadruple Lutz or quad toe loop represented the frontier of difficulty. Malinin’s quad Axel has effectively raised that frontier and forced competitors to reconsider what is realistically possible.
A New Style of Men’s Figure Skating
While technical difficulty remains central to Malinin’s reputation, his influence extends beyond jumps. His skating reflects a modern athletic style that blends speed, precision and aggressive transitions between elements. Rather than relying solely on traditional choreography, his programmes often emphasise dynamic movement and continuous momentum.
This approach aligns with broader trends in contemporary figure skating. Over the past decade, judges have increasingly rewarded programmes that combine high-level jumps with complex step sequences and seamless connections between elements. Malinin’s skating demonstrates how technical content can coexist with fluid movement across the ice.
Another important factor is his adaptability. Malinin has experimented with a wide range of musical styles, from electronic soundtracks to classical compositions. This flexibility allows choreographers to design programmes that highlight both athleticism and personality, making performances more engaging for modern audiences.
The Influence of a Digital-Era Athlete
Malinin’s popularity has also grown through social media, where clips of his training sessions and competition performances regularly attract millions of views. Short videos of quad Axel attempts or jump combinations circulate widely among fans, introducing the sport to audiences who may not traditionally follow figure skating competitions.
This visibility is significant for the future of the discipline. Many winter sports struggle to maintain attention between Olympic cycles, yet Malinin’s technical achievements frequently trend online during the season. As a result, the sport gains additional exposure beyond television broadcasts.
For governing bodies such as the International Skating Union, this digital engagement represents an opportunity to reach younger viewers. Athletes like Malinin demonstrate that elite sport can develop an online presence without compromising competitive seriousness or technical credibility.
Milano Cortina 2026 and the Olympic Perspective
The upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy are expected to feature one of the most competitive men’s events in recent history. Several top skaters — including athletes from Japan, South Korea and the United States — continue to push technical difficulty higher each season. However, Malinin enters the Olympic cycle as one of the strongest contenders.
His technical base value alone places him in a favourable position. If he executes a programme containing multiple quadruple jumps, including the quad Axel, he can establish a scoring margin that rivals may find difficult to overcome. Consistency, however, remains the key factor in Olympic competition.
Another advantage lies in his competitive experience. Despite his relatively young age, Malinin has already participated in major international championships, including the World Championships and Grand Prix Final. These events provide essential preparation for the pressure and expectations associated with the Olympic stage.
What His Success Means for the Future of the Sport
If Malinin performs successfully at Milano Cortina 2026, his influence could extend well beyond a single Olympic cycle. Historically, dominant champions often redefine training standards for the next generation. Similar patterns followed the careers of athletes such as Yuzuru Hanyu and Nathan Chen.
Young skaters observing Malinin’s achievements may increasingly focus on mastering ultra-difficult elements earlier in their careers. This could accelerate the technical progression of the sport, leading to even more complex programmes in future championships.
At the same time, coaches and choreographers will continue balancing technical ambition with artistic presentation. The challenge for the next generation will be maintaining musical interpretation and skating quality while performing elements that demand extraordinary physical strength and precision.