What move did Ilia Malinin perform to help Team USA win gold?

Ilia Malinin performed a backflip on one leg, which helped secure back-to-back gold medals for Team USA in the figure skating team event.

When is Ilia Malinin's next competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Ilia Malinin is scheduled to compete in the men's short program on February 10th, followed by the free skating event on February 10th.

Who are Ilia Malinin's parents and coaches?

Ilia Malinin's parents are former Olympians Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, who also serve as his coaches.

Home / Sports / Malinin Lands Backflip for Olympic Gold

Malinin Lands Backflip for Olympic Gold

10 Feb

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Summary

Ilia Malinin's backflip secured back-to-back gold medals for Team USA.
He previously won gold in his first Winter Games event.
Malinin is favored to win medals in upcoming events.

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.