Ilia Marinin Shines at 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics

Ilia Marinin, often dubbed the “God of the Quad,” captivated audiences once again during his latest showcase at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games.

In a remarkable moment, Marinin executed a backflip that helped Team USA clinch a gold medal in the team event. This particular move, banned since 1976 due to safety concerns, had not been performed legally at the Olympics since fellow American Terry Kubicka’s time.

Looking ahead, Marinin is considered a top contender for gold in Friday’s men’s free skate and might attempt an ambitious quadruple axel—a feat that would be quite the spectacle.

He acknowledged that he’s approaching the jump with caution. “I hope I feel good enough on Friday,” he remarked to reporters. “Health and safety always come first, so I want to make sure I’m in the right mindset to execute it confidently without risking anything.”

The International Skating Union (ISU) plans to lift the prohibition on somersaults in June 2024, which could significantly influence future performances in the sport.

The agenda from the ISU meeting noted that “a somersault-type jump is so spectacular that it is no longer logical to classify it as an illegal move today.” This opens the door for exciting new possibilities in competitive figure skating.

There’s no formal scoring system for backflips in figure skating, but Marinin previously shared that he relishes the thrill of the move. “The applause from the audience, the suspense—it’s something I really enjoy,” he said, reflecting on the energy of performing.