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Ilia Malinin Heads U.S. Figure Skating Team for 2026 Milan‑Cortina Games

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Malinin Confirmed as Lead Skater on U.S. Olympic Roster The 21‑year‑old world‑ranked male skater was named the face of Team USA in the official roster released on January 29, 2026, confirming his participation in Milan‑Cortina 2026 [1]. He enters the Games as a two‑time world champion and is widely regarded as a gold‑medal contender. The announcement positions him as the primary draw for U.S. figure‑skating fans.

Technical Edge Comes From Six Distinct Quad Jumps Malinin earned the nickname “Quad God” after demonstrating the ability to land six different quadruple jumps within a single program, a feat that few skaters have achieved at this level [1]. This technical repertoire underpins his status as a favorite for the top podium spot. Coaches and commentators highlight the quads as a decisive advantage over international rivals.

Family Legacy Shapes Training and Coaching Both of Malinin’s parents were Olympic figure skaters for Russia and now serve as his coaches, providing a lineage of elite experience [1]. He spent long hours on the ice from early morning to evening during his youth, a regimen that contributed to his technical mastery. The family’s coaching dynamic is credited with fostering his disciplined work ethic.

Personal Rituals Include Hershey’s Chocolate Before Performances Malinin reports that eating a Hershey’s milk‑chocolate bar before competing is linked to “mostly successful and happy” performances, a habit he repeats before major events [1]. He describes the snack as a confidence booster that helps maintain consistency on the ice. The ritual has become a recognizable part of his pre‑competition routine.

Goal Extends Beyond Medal to Revive Sport’s Popularity Beyond personal ambition, Malinin says he wants figure skating to reach “another level” and recapture the broad appeal it enjoyed decades ago [1]. He believes his visibility at the Olympics can attract new fans and inspire younger athletes. This broader mission frames his approach to the Games.

Commitment to Team USA Emphasized in Gold Pursuit In his own words, Malinin’s objective is to “go there and try to skate my best and try to win that gold medal,” emphasizing both personal excellence and national representation [1]. He frames the gold medal as an honor shared by all U.S. athletes. The statement underscores his dedication to the team’s collective success.

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Timeline

2019 – Nathan Chen sets the all‑time Grand Prix Final world‑record score, a benchmark Malinin later approaches with his 333.81 at Skate Canada (≈2025)[1].

2022 – Malinin misses the Beijing Olympic team because of age and inexperience, a setback that fuels his drive to win gold in Milan‑Cortina[1].

2025 – Malinin captures his second consecutive world title in Boston and remains unbeaten for roughly two years across Grand Prix events and U.S. championships, cementing his status as the sport’s leading challenger[1].

Sep 2025 – He opens the 2025‑26 season at the Lombardia Trophy, posting a season‑best 108.87 and signaling his intent to dominate the upcoming Olympic cycle[1].

Oct‑Nov 2025 – Malinin sweeps the Grand Prix circuit in France and Canada, delivering a 333.81 at Skate Canada that sits just shy of Chen’s 2019 record and showcases his six‑quad repertoire[1].

Dec 2025 – He wins the Grand Prix Final, reinforcing his position as the world’s top male skater heading into the Olympic year[1].

Jan 9, 2026 – At the U.S. Championships, Malinin lands a flawless short program scoring 115.10, leading the field by nearly 25 points and featuring a quad flip, triple axel, quad lutz‑triple toe loop, backflip and raspberry twist; fans shower the ice with Toothless plush toys[3].

Jan 9, 2026 – Tomoki Hiwatashi and Jason Brown chase the remaining U.S. men’s Olympic berths after Malinin’s dominant short, highlighting the depth of America’s Olympic hopefuls[3].

Jan 11, 2026 – U.S. Figure Skating announces a 16‑athlete Milan‑Cortina roster, naming Malinin the men’s gold favorite and anchoring Team USA; Madison Chock/Evan Bates claim their seventh U.S. ice‑dance title, Amber Glenn joins the women’s team, and the Efimova/Mitrofanov pair miss out due to citizenship timing[2].

Jan 21, 2026 – Malinin follows a structured plan to peak at the Games, balancing mental and physical preparation with sponsorship and TV demands, while reflecting on the Beijing snub that sharpened his focus[1].

Jan 29, 2026 – He headlines Team USA at Milan‑Cortina, embraces the “Quad God” nickname for landing six distinct quads, declares his goal to “go there and try to skate my best and try to win that gold medal,” and credits a Hershey’s milk‑chocolate bar for pre‑competition confidence[4].

Feb 2026 – The Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics commence, with Malinin positioned as a leading contender for the men’s gold medal and aiming to elevate figure‑skating’s popularity worldwide[4].

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