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Malinin Lands Historic Quad Axel, US Wins Figure Skating Gold

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. toric-quad-axel-us-wins-figure-skating-gold.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 14:33 GMT by 7News Miami
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ITALY

Milan Cortina, Italy - February 9th, 2026 - Ilia Malinin cemented his place in figure skating history, propelling the United States to a thrilling gold medal victory in the team event at the Milan Cortina Olympics. While team victories are always collective efforts, Malinin's groundbreaking performance - highlighted by the first-ever landed quad Axel in Olympic competition - undeniably stole the show and served as the catalyst for US success. The American team, comprised of Malinin, Jason Brown, Brooks Cremeans, and Gracie Gold, overcame fierce competition from Japan and the Russian Olympic Committee to claim the top spot on the podium.

Malinin's achievement is more than just a successful jump; it represents a paradigm shift in the sport. For years, the quad Axel - a 4.5 rotation jump - was considered the 'holy grail' of figure skating. Numerous attempts had been made, and many skaters had come close, but the technical difficulty and precision required to land it cleanly had consistently proven elusive. Malinin's success demonstrates not only exceptional athletic ability but also a willingness to push the boundaries of what's considered possible.

"It's an incredible moment, not just for our team, but for the future of figure skating," stated Jane Doe, US Figure Skating spokesperson, shortly after the medal ceremony. "Ilia's skate was a game-changer, and the entire team contributed to this victory. But he's truly unlocked something special. He's inspiring a new generation of skaters to dream bigger and strive for what was once thought unattainable."

This victory isn't simply about adding another gold medal to the US Olympic tally; it's a symbolic passing of the torch. The era of Nathan Chen, while incredibly successful, is concluding. Malinin is unequivocally the new face of US men's figure skating, and arguably, the new face of the sport globally. Chen's own innovation in quad jumps laid some of the groundwork, but Malinin has taken it a step further, adding the quad Axel to his repertoire, effectively raising the bar for all competitors.

The team event itself was a captivating spectacle. The format, which combines scores from men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance, demands well-rounded teams with consistent performers. Jason Brown delivered a consistently solid and artistically refined performance, providing stability and experience. Brooks Cremeans and Gracie Gold, while not attempting the highest-risk technical elements, showcased elegance and precision, earning valuable points for the team. Their contributions, while often overshadowed by Malinin's brilliance, were crucial to maintaining the US team's lead.

The competition from Japan and the Russian Olympic Committee was particularly intense. Japan boasts a deep pool of talented skaters, and their team presented a strong technical challenge. The ROC team, despite facing ongoing geopolitical complexities, consistently fields competitive athletes. The tight margins and high stakes created a nail-biting atmosphere, making the US victory all the more satisfying.

Looking ahead, Malinin's performance raises questions about the future of jump difficulty in figure skating. Will other skaters attempt the quad Axel? Will the International Skating Union (ISU) need to re-evaluate its scoring system to adequately reward such complex maneuvers? The answers remain to be seen, but one thing is certain: Malinin has irrevocably altered the landscape of the sport. Coaches around the world are already analyzing his technique, hoping to unlock the secrets to landing the elusive jump.

Furthermore, the success of the US team could lead to increased funding and support for figure skating programs in the United States, potentially fostering even more talent. The Olympics serve as a powerful platform, and this gold medal victory is likely to ignite a renewed passion for the sport amongst American youth. The combination of athletic prowess, artistic expression, and now, groundbreaking technical innovation, makes figure skating a captivating event for viewers of all ages.