It’s a Thursday afternoon in late October, and two-time world figure skating champion Ilia Malinin is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for his second Grand Prix event of the 2025-26 Olympic season. The autumn sun sets as Malinin engages in yet another photoshoot, showcasing his growing confidence just months away from the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026.
“What if we try it this way?” he suggests, tilting his head up at the overhead camera.
This moment exemplifies the 21-year-old’s creative mindset, as he prepares for an event with high stakes on the global stage. “No matter what I’m doing, I constantly think about how to be creative and elevate my performance,” Malinin shared, reflecting on his recent gold medal win at Skate Canada.
Since bursting onto the scene at the U.S. Championships in 2022, Malinin has risen to the top of the men’s figure skating world, earning the “Quad God” monicker for his signature quadruple jumps. With success, however, comes added pressure to excel. “People forget that we’re not robots—we’re athletes,” he says, highlighting the mental strength needed to deliver flawless performances before a live audience.
His stellar track record, boasting two world titles in 2024 and 2025, positions Malinin as a strong contender for the upcoming Olympic Games. He aims to peak in performance as the second half of the season approaches, immersing himself in competitions and creative projects.
Malinin’s approach prioritizes a “go-with-the-flow” mindset. Discussing his previous challenge with a quad loop, he emphasizes the need to identify problems head-on: “Understanding the challenge helps me find a solution through experimentation.” His commitment to mastering the intricacies of jumps through repeated practice is commendable.
Beyond the ice, Malinin appreciates the figure skating community, fostering camaraderie among competitors. “People should know we’re human beings who support each other,” he noted.
An unexpected bonus of his rise has included meeting celebrities like Snoop Dogg, who now has an eye on Malinin’s skating journey. Malinin hopes to impress Snoop by the end of Milano Cortina 2026, establishing a new fan in one of America’s biggest stars.
The road to gold this season is not just about individual triumph but building a shared community—an exciting narrative for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games.
