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Malinin Lands Historic Quad Axel at Milan Olympics

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 19:24 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, JAPAN

Milan, Italy - February 24, 2026 - Ilia Malinin has etched his name into the history books, not just of figure skating, but of the Winter Olympic Games themselves. Today, at the 2026 Milan Olympics, the American skater landed a flawless quad Axel, becoming the first person ever to successfully complete the jump in Olympic competition. While Malinin first achieved this groundbreaking feat in a sanctioned competition back in 2023, delivering it on the Olympic stage elevates it to a moment of true sporting immortality.

For years, the quad Axel has been the 'holy grail' of figure skating, a jump considered by many to be physically impossible. It's a technical challenge so demanding that generations of skaters have attempted, and largely failed, to conquer it. Today, Malinin didn't just conquer it - he owned it. His performance was not simply about landing the jump; it was about the artistry and control with which he executed it, seamlessly integrating it into a program brimming with other technically demanding elements.

Deconstructing the Difficulty: What Makes the Quad Axel So Hard?

The difficulty lies in the mathematics of rotation. Unlike other quad jumps, which require four full rotations in the air, the Axel jump is taken off forward. This forward takeoff adds a crucial half-rotation, making the quad Axel a four-and-a-half rotation jump. That extra half rotation demands an extraordinary amount of height, speed, and air awareness. Skaters must generate immense power from their legs and core to achieve the necessary lift and maintain the tightest possible body position to rotate quickly enough. The margin for error is infinitesimal; a slight miscalculation in takeoff angle or body alignment can easily lead to a fall or under-rotation.

A Brief History of the Unlandable Jump

The pursuit of the quad Axel has been a decades-long saga. Numerous skaters have attempted the jump in practice and competition, but none were able to land it cleanly until Malinin's breakthrough in 2023. Attempts were often marred by falls, under-rotations (where the skater doesn't complete the required number of revolutions before landing), or downgraded scores. Some prominent skaters openly acknowledged the jump's near-impossibility, believing it pushed the boundaries of human capability. Several analyses suggested that the current scoring system didn't adequately reward the risk and difficulty, further discouraging attempts.

Malinin's Journey to the Quad Axel

Malinin's success wasn't a sudden occurrence but the culmination of years of dedicated training, innovative coaching, and a unique athletic profile. He possesses an exceptional combination of power, flexibility, and spatial awareness. Crucially, he's worked closely with his team to refine his technique, focusing on maximizing his jump height and controlling his rotation speed. He's become known for his powerful edge work and ability to maintain incredible body control in the air. While other skaters have focused on perfecting existing quads, Malinin dedicated a significant portion of his training to this singular, incredibly challenging element.

The Impact on the Future of Figure Skating

Today marks a pivotal moment for the sport. Malinin's achievement is not merely a personal victory; it's a paradigm shift. It demonstrates that previously perceived limitations can be overcome with dedication, innovation, and an unwavering belief in oneself. The successful landing of the quad Axel will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of skaters to push the boundaries of what's possible.

We can anticipate a surge in attempts at the quad Axel in the coming years. Young skaters will now view it as an attainable goal, rather than an impossible dream. This will likely lead to further advancements in training techniques and equipment. However, it also raises questions about the balance between technical difficulty and artistic expression. Will the pursuit of ever-more-difficult jumps overshadow the elegance and artistry that have traditionally defined figure skating?

Judges and the International Skating Union (ISU) will also face challenges. The scoring system may need to be re-evaluated to appropriately recognize the risk and reward associated with the quad Axel, ensuring that skaters are adequately rewarded for attempting such a challenging element. Maintaining skater safety will also be paramount as more skaters attempt this dangerous jump. The ISU is already discussing potential safety protocols and guidelines to minimize the risk of injury.

Ilia Malinin has not just landed a jump; he has launched figure skating into a new era. His courage, skill, and determination have redefined the limits of the sport and inspired millions around the world. The 2026 Winter Olympics will forever be remembered as the games where a skater dared to dream the impossible, and then made it a reality.