Ilia Malinin Leads U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team Into Milan-Cortina 2026 as Gold Medal Favorite
ST. LOUIS, Mo. / MILAN-CORTINA — American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin will headline Team USA’s men’s singles at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, after capturing his fourth consecutive U.S. National Figure Skating title and continuing a record-breaking run of achievements that have reshaped the sport. The 21-year-old is widely regarded as the favorite for Olympic gold and a defining figure in men’s figure skating history.
Malinin — often nicknamed the “Quad God” for his unprecedented jumping ability — enters the Olympic season as reigning world champion, U.S. national champion, and Grand Prix Final titleholder. His technical prowess, sportsmanship and consistency have energized U.S. figure skating fans and set the stage for potentially historic Olympic performances.
Dominating the U.S. Championships and Securing Olympic Berth
At the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, Malinin delivered a commanding performance, topping the men’s field with an astonishing score that left his competitors far behind. His free skate — built around multiple quadruple jumps and a seamless blend of athleticism and artistry — showcased why he’s considered the most technically gifted skater of his generation. Malinin’s victory not only captured his fourth straight national title, but also secured his spot as one of three men representing the United States at the Winter Games. Sharing the podium with him were Andrew Torgashev, who finished second, and Maxim Naumov, whose inspiring journey back to competitive form earned him the third Olympic berth. For Naumov, the Olympic selection is particularly emotional. A year after a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of his parents — both former world figure skating champions and his coaches — Naumov’s resilience and commitment to the sport have become a powerful storyline heading into Milan-Cortina.
Malinin’s Technical Prowess and Record-Breaking Feats
What sets Malinin apart on the world stage is his extraordinary technical skill. He is the first skater ever to land a quadruple Axel in competition — an element long considered nearly impossible due to its difficulty. That groundbreaking achievement, along with his ability to land six quadruple jumps in a single program, has redefined what’s possible in men’s skating. At previous world championships, Malinin’s performances have consistently pushed the boundaries of technical excellence, delivering memorable free skates featuring multiple quads — including the historic quad Axel — and earning him back-to-back world titles in 2024 and 2025. His dominance extends beyond raw jumps. Malinin’s combination of speed, precision, and musical interpretation has also helped him top international rankings, solidifying his place as the clear leader of the U.S. team and a serious Olympic gold medal contender.
Team USA Arrives in Milan-Cortina With Depth and Balance
While Malinin headlines the men’s field, Team USA’s Olympic figure skating roster features some of the deepest talent in recent history across multiple disciplines:
- Men’s Singles: Ilia Malinin, Andrew Torgashev, Maxim Naumov
- Women’s Singles: Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito
- Pairs: Emily Chan & Spencer Akira Howe, Ellie Kam & Daniel O’Shea
- Ice Dance: Madison Chock & Evan Bates, Zingas/Kolesnik, Carreira/Ponomarenko
In the women’s division, Alysa Liu — a world champion and crowd favorite — leads a strong contingent that also includes Amber Glenn and rising star Isabeau Levito. The pairs and ice dance squads bring a mix of experience, fresh creativity and medal potential. For the U.S., the Olympics present not just medal opportunities in individual events, but a genuine chance for history in the team figure skating event, where strong results across men’s, women’s, pair, and dance fields could push the Americans onto the podium.
Malinin’s Olympic Dream and Future Vision
Despite his meteoric rise and world titles, Malinin’s goals extend far beyond Milan-Cortina. The skater has publicly stated that he envisions competing across multiple Olympic cycles, setting records, and pushing the sport’s technical limits even further. Aiming for at least three Olympic appearances, Malinin already carries the confidence and ambition of a champion. Beyond his athletic feats, Malinin’s personality and social engagement have helped raise the profile of figure skating in the United States. With hundreds of thousands of followers across social platforms, he uses his platform to share behind-the-scenes training insights and connect with fans worldwide.
Pressure, Expectations and Olympic Legacy
As the Olympics approach, the pressure on Malinin — and the rest of Team USA — is palpable. Expectations are sky-high, especially as he aims to eclipse the achievements of icons like Nathan Chen, the 2022 Olympic gold medalist. Yet Malinin’s record of success and unwavering commitment to innovation suggest he’s ready for the spotlight.
One potential wildcard is how he manages the Olympic team event schedule, where strategic decisions — such as whether Malinin competes in both segments — could impact overall medal prospects. Nevertheless, U.S. Figure Skating officials are confident in the depth and versatility of their roster.
Looking Ahead to Milan-Cortina 2026
With the Winter Games less than one month away, four decades of Olympic history meet a new generation of athletes. For Malinin, this is more than just competition — it’s a chance to elevate men’s figure skating to new heights and cement his legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures.
Key Takeaways:
Ilia Malinin leads Team USA as favorite for Olympic gold in men’s singles.
Malinin’s historic quad Axel and multi-quad programs revolutionize figure skating.
Team USA boasts a deep, medal-contending figure skating lineup across all events.
Emotional and inspiring stories — like Maxim Naumov’s — add depth to the Olympic narrative.
