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Ilia Malinin’s Bold Fit Before Olympic Figure Skating Event Causes Stir

The 21-year-old, two-time world champion known as the “Quad God” isn’t lacking confidence in his abilities or his attire.
Matt Ryan|
Ilia Malinin of the United States of America reacts after performing in the men’s free skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
Ilia Malinin of the United States of America reacts after performing in the men’s free skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. | James Lang-Imagn Images

Ilia Malinin admitted to being nervous in an interview with NBC before his big short program skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He certainly was confident with his fit choice before skating at the Milano Cortina Games.

The 21-year-old is widely regarded as the best figure skater in the world having won four national championship and a two-time World Champion.

Ilia Malini
Feb 8, 2026; Milan, Italy; Ilia Malinin of the United States of America celebrates after winning gold in the figure skating team event during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

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While he helped the U.S. win a gold in the team combined competition, Yuma Kagiyama of Japan had a higher score showing he’s not unbeatable.

But he is sure exciting like his backflip move off one foot he pulled off during his last skate.

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Malinin is known as the “Quad God” because he’s the first skater ever to land all six types of quadruple jumps in competition and the first to land the nearly impossible quadruple Axel.

He admitted he was a bit nervous, though, before the competition started.

If he’s nervous, he sure made a bold statement with his fit. Before the competition, he was shown wearing a self-proclaimed “Quad God” tank top from Nike.

Now, the “Quad God” needs to go out there and back it up with a gold on the line and live up to the hype.

Update: Malinin leads after the short program with a couple of days off before his signature event.

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Matt Ryan
MATT RYAN

Matt Ryan is a dedicated sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in digital and linear media. After receiving a Masters in Journalism from USC, he’s worked for Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, USA Today Sports Media Group, and Bally Sports, while holding various leadership roles along the way.

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