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Malinin Lands Historic Quad Axel: A Skating Marvel
13 Feb
Summary
- Malinin is the only skater to land a quadruple axel in competition.
- The quadruple axel involves four-and-a-half rotations in the air.
- He first landed the move in competition in 2022 at age 17.
Ilia Malinin, an American figure skater, has become renowned for his extraordinary skill, particularly his groundbreaking execution of the quadruple axel. This highly difficult maneuver involves completing four and a half rotations in the air, a feat previously considered unattainable in competitive figure skating. Malinin achieved this historic jump for the first time in 2022, at the young age of 17.
The quadruple axel requires immense athleticism, with skaters landing with significant force. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu attempted the jump during the 2022 Winter Games but fell short of completing the final rotation. Malinin, however, successfully landed it seven months later at the CS U.S. International Classic in Lake Placid, New York.
Since his initial success, Malinin has made the quadruple axel a signature element in his routines, performing it at numerous major competitions including the 2023 and 2024 World Championships and Grand Prix Finals. His consistent performance has earned him the title of the world's best male figure skater.
