Ilia ‘Quad God’ Malinin opens up on cats, milk, and space with Neil deGrasse Tyson
The U.S. figure skating star is famously known for his on-ice feats and remarkable quad axels. However, when the 21-year-old Ilia Malinin isn’t performing captivating routines, he’s recently captivated fans with his love for cats and a surprising affinity for chocolate milk.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 approaches, underscoring the seriousness of the competition ahead. Still, Malinin is embracing a new chapter as a proud cat dad. In a recent Q&A with Vulture, he shared insights from his personal life, revealing he has two mischievous cats named Mysti and Miu Miu that have just added chaos and joy to his everyday routine.
“They’re very chaotic at times, and they just run around at midnight while I’m trying to sleep,” Malinin said. “They jump into my room and start running around, jumping on the bed, jumping on things. They’re around six months old.”
These feline companions have not only invaded his home but also sparked a sense of sibling rivalry. When asked whom he envied within his family, Malinin humorously acknowledged his sister’s connection with the cats: “I’m jealous that my sister gets more attention from the cats than I do.”
Aside from his unique home life, the U.S. Figure Skating sensation is gearing up for his Olympic debut in both the short program and free skating events in Milano. In sharing more about himself, he revealed fears such as heights and a whimsical dream to step into the shoes of Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon. Moreover, his curiosity doesn’t stop there; he expressed interest in peering into the mind of astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.
“I’d want to see what goes on in his head,” he said. “I’ve had an interest for a while in a lot of the space stuff, since maybe sixth grade.”
On a culinary note, Malinin’s dietary preferences are certainly intriguing. He finds nourishment post-training in classic beverages such as milk, water, and juice. Surprisingly, before bedtime, he enjoys sipping on a glass of chocolate milk, which perhaps serves as a comforting reminder of childhood in the intense world of competitive figure skating.
Whatever his routine may look like, one thing is clear: the U.S. figure skating star will remain steadfast as he embarks on his Olympic journey at Milano Cortina 2026. The passion and determination that define Malinin on the ice mirror the reflection seen amid the playful antics of Mysti and Miu Miu, making him a multifaceted athlete to watch.
