Figure skater Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God,” once again amazed fans by showcasing his bold style during his latest performance at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Malinin executed a historic backflip, helping Team USA capture the gold medal in the team competition. The move had been banned since 1976 for safety reasons — and before him, only American skater Terry Kubicka had ever landed it legally at the Olympics.

Now Malinin enters Friday’s men’s final as the favorite and could attempt something even more extraordinary: the first quadruple axel in Olympic history.

The athlete explained he plans to take a cautious approach to what is considered the most difficult jump in figure skating. According to him, the decision will depend on how he feels physically and mentally at the moment of competition.

“I hope I’ll feel good enough to try it, but I always prioritize health and safety. I want to go in confident and not do something risky,” he said.

The International Skating Union (ISU) lifted the ban on somersault-type jumps in June 2024, clearing the way for the backflip’s return to the sport’s biggest stage.

Although the move does not carry a specific point value, Malinin has previously said he enjoys including it in his routines for its visual impact — another element reinforcing his reputation as one of the most innovative skaters of his generation.