Ilia Malinin on making history with seven-quad skate: “Going your own way can feel lonely”
Ilia Malinin has once again set the figure skating world on fire, becoming the first skater to land seven quadruple jumps in a single program during the 2025 Grand Prix Final held in Nagoya, Japan. With his newfound title of “Quad God,” Malinin did not shy away from reflecting on his journey. “Going your own way can feel lonely,” he stated, acknowledging the mental challenges that accompany his cutting-edge training regime.
Following this historic free skate, Malinin’s ambitions don’t just stop at quads. “There’s a chance I could try for one or two quintuples after the Olympics,” he revealed, raising expectations for what’s possible in the world of competitive figure skating. To make this leap, Malinin has a daily routine that includes run-throughs of a seven-quad program, building both strength and stamina for such grueling challenges.
Even after landing an astounding 238.24 points, and a rare quad Axel during his free performance, the 21-year-old admitted to holding back some surprises, waiting until the Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 before showcasing the world’s first quintuple jump.
While skaters like Japan’s Kagiyama Yuma and Sato Shun executed three quads each, Malinin approached this ambitious format as a challenge with himself. “It’s a lonely climb to the top,” he noted, taking stock of the pressure that comes with being a frontrunner. Mental strain hits even the best athletes, and Malinin isn’t immune.
His journey has been filled with the worries of under-rotations and the desire for improvement. Now, he’s advocating for a balanced emphasis in competitive scoring that values spins and footwork as highly as jumps, pushing fellow competitors to expand their skill set beyond just a focus on high jumps.
In an industry that thrives on groundbreaking achievements, Malinin’s incredible perseverance and visionary mindset not only inspire a new generation of skaters but also raise the stakes for all. As long as he stays healthy, who knows what records he may break next?
