Ilia Malinin Bio: Age, Olympic Gold, Quad Axel, Height, Girlfriend, Family, Career, Net Worth

Ilia Malinin is an extraordinary American figure skater, widely known as the “Quad God” for revolutionizing men’s singles with groundbreaking technical feats. He became the first skater to land a quadruple Axel in international competition and the only one to execute seven quadruple jumps in a single program. His dominance includes back-to-back World titles, multiple Grand Prix Final wins, and a pivotal role in securing Team USA’s gold medal in the figure skating team event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. At just 21, Malinin has redefined what’s possible in the sport, blending athletic innovation with artistic flair.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Ilia Malinin was born on December 2, 2004, in Fairfax, Virginia, and raised in nearby Vienna. Skating runs in his family—his Russian-born parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, were Olympic figure skaters for Uzbekistan (Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002). His mother won the 1999 Grand Prix Final and Four Continents titles, while his father was a seven-time Uzbek national champion. Malinin began skating at age six, initially coached by his parents who hesitated to push him due to their own competitive pressures.

He attended George C. Marshall High School and now studies at George Mason University, balancing academics with elite training. His younger sister, Liza (or Elli Beatrice), is also a figure skater, and Malinin has praised her talent, noting she was better than he was at age nine. He has two ragdoll cats, Mysti and Miu Miu, who feature in his downtime.

Career Journey

Ilia Malinin’s career exploded with technical innovation, turning him into figure skating’s most dominant jumper.

Junior Breakthrough (2021–2022)

Malinin won the 2022 World Junior Championships and multiple Junior Grand Prix events, setting junior records in short program, free skate, and combined scores.

Senior Emergence & Quad Axel History (2022–2023)

In September 2022, he became the first skater to land a quadruple Axel in international competition at the U.S. Figure Skating Classic. He earned World bronze in 2023 and transitioned rapidly to senior success.

Dominance Era (2023–2025)

Malinin claimed back-to-back World titles (2024, 2025), three consecutive Grand Prix Finals (2023–2025), and four straight U.S. national titles (2023–2026). He pioneered seven quads in one program and introduced moves like the raspberry twist and backflip.

2026 Olympics & Recent Activity

At the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, Malinin delivered under pressure in the team event, scoring 200.03 in the men’s free skate (despite a stumble) with five quads and a backflip, clinching Team USA’s gold by one point over Japan. This marked his first Olympic medal and back-to-back U.S. team titles.

Career Stats

• Olympic Medals: 1 Gold (Team Event, 2026)
• World Championships: 2 Gold (2024, 2025); 1 Bronze (2023)
• Grand Prix Final: 3 Gold (2023–2025)
• U.S. Nationals: 4 Gold (2023–2026)
• Notable Firsts: Quad Axel (2022); All six quad types in one program; Seven quads in one program
• Records: Senior men’s free skate; Junior short, free, combined
• No full TV/movie list applies, as he’s an athlete.

Personal Life

Malinin keeps his private life low-key, focusing on training and family. He speaks fluent Russian and credits his parents for his grounded approach. He enjoys creative pursuits like drawing, painting, and music, plus active hobbies like skateboarding and parkour.

Family

• Father: Roman Skorniakov – Former Olympian, coach.
• Mother: Tatiana Malinina – Former Olympian, coach, 1999 Grand Prix Final champion.
• Sister: Liza/Elli Beatrice – Younger sibling, figure skater.

Relationships and Dating History/Affairs

As of 2026, Malinin is single and has stated he prioritizes his career over dating, especially ahead of the Olympics. He has said he “doesn’t have time for a girlfriend” while making history. Past rumors (e.g., with fellow skater Anna Sretenski in 2024) remain unconfirmed, with no notable affairs or public relationships.

Controversies

In 2023, Malinin faced backlash for an Instagram Live comment joking that he couldn’t “be straight” to boost artistic component scores, leading to apologies and a letter to U.S. Figure Skating. He called it “teenage behavior.” Other minor discussions include pacing comments post-2026 team event (clarified as not meaning reduced effort) and occasional fan debates over scoring or body image.

Awards & Achievements

• 2026 Winter Olympics: Gold – Figure Skating Team Event
• World Championships: Gold (2024, 2025); Bronze (2023)
• Grand Prix Final: Gold (2023, 2024, 2025)
• U.S. Figure Skating Championships: Gold (2023–2026)
• World Junior Championships: Gold (2022)
• ISU Skating Awards: Special Achievement (2023, quad Axel); Most Valuable Skater (2024); Most Entertaining Program & Skater of the Year (2025)

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5 ft 9 in (174–175 cm)
• Weight: ~140 lbs (64 kg)
• Build: Lean, athletic frame optimized for jumps and rotation
• Distinct Features: Known for explosive quads and innovative elements like backflips

Quotes

• “At first my parents and people thought I was crazy when I wanted to land that quad axel. They didn’t think I would be able to.”
• “I know how nerve-racking the Olympics can be, but I’m really excited. I want to put my priorities into my career first.”
• “He is a phenomenon…he’s just getting going.” (Chris Howarth, NBC commentator)

Favorites

• Hobbies: Skateboarding, fashion, drawing/painting, music
• Relaxation: Spending time with cats Mysti and Miu Miu, sleeping
• Motivation: Pushing technical boundaries

Salary & Net Worth

Malinin earns through ISU prize money, Olympic bonuses, and endorsements (e.g., sshade). Peak years post-World titles and Olympics likely bring significant income. His net worth is estimated at $1–5 million in 2026, reflecting sponsorships and achievements (benchmarks for top figure skaters).

Interesting Facts

• Nicknamed himself “Quad God” on social media.
• First to land a fully rotated quad Axel and attempt seven quads.
• Has two ragdoll cats as pets.
• Speaks fluent Russian due to family heritage.
• Enjoys creative outlets like writing stories and choreo improv.

Did You Know?

• Malinin missed the 2022 Beijing Olympics but used it as fuel for dominance.
• He introduced banned-then-allowed elements like backflips.
• His family has deep Soviet-era skating ties (grandfather competed).

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @ilia_quadg0d_malinin (459K+ followers)
• Official Website: iliamalininqg.com
• ISU Profile: isuresults.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ilia Malinin’s biggest achievement?
Landing the first quadruple Axel in competition and winning gold in the 2026 Olympic team event, plus back-to-back World titles.

How old is Ilia Malinin in 2026?
He is 21 years old (born December 2, 2004).

Who are Ilia Malinin’s parents?
His parents are former Olympic figure skaters Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, who coach him.

Does Ilia Malinin have a girlfriend?
No, he is currently single and has said he prioritizes his skating career over dating.

What are Ilia Malinin’s hobbies?
Skateboarding, parkour, drawing, painting, fashion, music, and spending time with his cats.

What is Ilia Malinin’s net worth?
Estimated at $1–5 million, from prizes, endorsements, and Olympic success.

Ilia Malinin’s blend of technical wizardry and quiet determination has made him a transformative force in figure skating. With Olympic gold already in hand and more potential ahead, his journey inspires fans worldwide. Share this bio with fellow skating enthusiasts to celebrate the Quad God’s incredible rise!