Ilia Malinin

Ilia Malinin is a figure skater widely celebrated for his technical prowess and groundbreaking achievements in men's singles skating. The son of two former figure skaters from Uzbekistan, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, Malinin began training at an early age and quickly rose through the ranks of U.S. figure skating, showcasing a rare combination of artistry, athleticism, and fearlessness on the ice.

Malinin gained international acclaim in 2022 when he became the first skater in history to land a quadruple Axel in competition -- a feat long considered nearly impossible due to its difficulty and risk. That same year, he won the World Junior Championship and earned a bronze medal at the Grand Prix Final. He is affectionately nicknamed the "Quad God" by fans and commentators for his ability to execute multiple high-difficulty quadruple jumps in a single program.

In the 2022–2023 season, Malinin made his senior debut at the World Championships and finished with a top-five placement. He followed up with a remarkable 2023–2024 season, winning the U.S. National Championship and earning a silver medal at the World Championships, establishing himself as one of the top contenders for the next Winter Olympics.

He was named to TIME magazine's Time100 Next List of emerging leaders from around the world who are shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership. He is an emerging star while competing towards the 2026 Winter Olympics.