U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old from Virginia, recently made history at the Winter Olympics with a remarkable performance. During his gold medal-winning free skate, Malinin executed a backflip known as “the Bonaly flip” on one blade, a move previously banned but named after French skater Surya Bonaly. His flawless execution of this move marked the first legal performance of it at the Olympic Games, despite not earning him technical points.
Malinin is renowned for being the first skater to successfully land the challenging quadruple axel jump in competition back in 2022 at the age of 17. This jump involves four and a half rotations in the air and is known for its forward takeoff, distinguishing it from other jumps in figure skating. His proficiency in landing quad jumps has earned him the moniker “Quad God,” which he proudly incorporates into his social media presence.
Sports writer Pj Kwong praised Malinin’s natural talent for quad jumps, emphasizing his exceptional jumping ability and the influence of past jumpers who inspired him. Kurt Browning, a Canadian figure skater, acknowledged the difficulty and significance of the quadruple axel, highlighting its unique forward takeoff compared to other jumps.
Malinin’s parents and coaches, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, are former Olympic skaters from Uzbekistan, adding to his impressive lineage in the sport. Despite his success and acclaim, Malinin humbly expressed his desire for people to see him as a relatable individual, emphasizing that even as a skilled athlete, he remains human.