Ilia Malinin is an American figure skater born on December 2, 2004, who has made significant strides in the sport.
He is the reigning 2024 World Champion, having also won the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 2023 and 2024.
Malinin is particularly noted for being the first skater to successfully land a fully rotated quadruple Axel in international competition, a groundbreaking achievement he accomplished at the 2022 U.S. International Classic.
This remarkable feat earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Parents
Ilia’s parents are both accomplished figure skaters. His mother, Tatiana Malinina, was a competitive figure skater for Uzbekistan, winning titles such as the 1999 Grand Prix Final and the Four Continents Championship.
She is recognized as a ten-time national champion and represented Uzbekistan at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
His father, Roman Skorniakov, also competed for Uzbekistan and is a seven-time national champion.
Both have significantly influenced Ilia’s skating career, coaching him from a young age and providing guidance as he developed his skills in the sport.
Ilia has a younger sister, Elli Beatrice Malinina, who is also involved in figure skating. The family resides in Vienna, Virginia, where Ilia continues to train under the guidance of his parents.
Career
Malinin has rapidly ascended in the world of figure skating, marking his career with groundbreaking achievements and numerous accolades.
He won the 2024 World Championships, solidifying his status as a top competitor.
Malinin is a three-time U.S. national champion, having claimed titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and he also earned a silver medal in 2022.
His success extends to the Grand Prix circuit, where he has won the Grand Prix Final twice (in 2023 and 2024) and is a six-time Grand Prix medalist, securing five golds and one silver.
In addition to these accomplishments, he was the 2022 World Junior Champion and won the Junior Grand Prix Final in 2021.
One of Malinin’s most notable achievements is his landing of the quadruple Axel.
In 2022, he became the first skater to land a fully rotated quadruple Axel in international competition, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Throughout his career, he has also performed all six quad jumps in one program, showcasing his technical prowess.
Additionally, he holds multiple records, including the junior records for men’s short program, free skate, and combined scores.
Malinin began skating at the age of seven and has been coached by his parents, both former competitive skaters.
He represents the Washington Figure Skating Club and is currently attending George Mason University while continuing to excel in his skating career.
His innovative techniques and performances have made him a significant figure in contemporary figure skating.
