Ilia Malinin Eyes Three Olympics as Milano Cortina Approaches

U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin has set his sights on competing in three Olympic Games, beginning with the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy. The 21-year-old, a three-time U.S. men’s champion, has quickly risen to become a gold medal favorite thanks to his technically demanding jumps and dynamic performances.

Malinin, who has captivated fans with his athleticism and artistry, spoke about his long-term ambitions in the sport. He aims to participate in the 2026, 2030, and 2034 Olympic cycles, acknowledging the physical challenges that come with performing high-difficulty jumps that have become a hallmark of his career. Despite these demands, Malinin remains focused on pushing the boundaries of men’s figure skating while maintaining consistency on the world stage.

The young American’s trajectory has been meteoric. He recently claimed gold at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Nagoya, Japan, further solidifying his status as a leading contender heading into the Olympics. Coaches and analysts highlight Malinin’s combination of technical skill and artistic presentation as a key factor that could make him a dominant force over multiple Olympic cycles.

As the Milano Cortina Games approach, attention will be on how Malinin adapts to the pressures of Olympic competition and whether he can translate his Grand Prix success into Olympic gold. His goal to compete across three Olympics signals both ambition and confidence in his physical and mental resilience, promising an exciting journey for figure skating fans in the coming decade.