Who is Ilya Malinin? Russian-born American is a star of the Winter Olympics, also impressed Novak Djokovic (VIDEO)
One of the stars of the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo is the Russian-born American Ilya Malinin.
TL;DR
- Ilya Malinin, of Russian origin, is a star of the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
- He has already won Olympic team gold for the USA.
- His performances have impressed many, including Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, who was filmed reacting to Malinin's backward somersault.
- Malinin was born in Fairfax, Virginia, USA, to Russian-born parents who competed for Uzbekistan.
- He is a two-time World Champion (2024, 2025) and holds multiple other titles, including Grand Prix Final champion and U.S. National Champion.
- Malinin holds junior world records and the senior men's world record for the free skate.
- He is the first and only skater to successfully land a quadruple axel in international competition and is nicknamed 'Quad God'.
- Time magazine recognized him as one of the 100 most influential leaders shaping the future.
- His younger sister, Liza, also competes in figure skating.
- He is fluent in English and Russian.