Malinin Lands Backflip for Olympic Gold

Ilia Malinin has made a significant impact at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. He successfully secured back-to-back gold medals for the United States in the team figure skating event. His performance included a daring backflip on one leg, a move that ultimately clinched the victory for his team. Malinin expressed his joy, stating this is one of the happiest days of his life and sets a positive mindset for his upcoming individual events. He is scheduled to compete in the men's short program on Tuesday, February 10th, followed by the free skating event on February 10th. As a favorite to win medals in both, Malinin has the potential to earn up to three Olympic medals at these Games. Born in Fairfax, Virginia, Malinin, now 21, currently resides in Vienna, Virginia, and is coached by his parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, both former Olympians who represented Uzbekistan. He is also pursuing studies at George Mason University, becoming the first student from the institution to win a Winter Olympic gold medal.