‘Quad God’ Ilia Malinin eyes quadruple axel after historic backflip at Milan Cortina Olympics

Ilia Malinin, known as the "Quad God," continued to dazzle fans as he once again put his full warrior spirit on display during his latest performance at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

Malinin landed a historic backflip to help Team USA win gold in the team event. The move was outlawed in 1976, with officials citing safety concerns. Before Malinin, fellow American Terry Kubicka was the last skater to land it legally at the Games.

Malinin will compete in Friday’s men's free skate and enters as the gold favorite.