After ‘Olympic curse’ hits Ilia Malinin in his free skate, the ‘Quad god’ sets his sights on future - AP News
AP News
February 14, 2026
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Ilia Malinin, the figure skating prodigy known as the "Quad god," faced an unexpected stumble during his free skate at the Beijing Olympics, a moment many attributed to the so-called "Olympic curse." Despite landing four quadruple jumps in his short program—a historic feat—Malinin struggled with under rotations and balance in his long-awaited free skate. The performance, which many fans and experts saw as a letdown after his record-breaking short program, left him without a medal. However, Malinin's resilience shone through as he gracefully accepted the outcome and set his sights on future competitions.
The "Olympic curse" is a phenomenon often cited in sports, where athletes who excel in qualifying rounds or previous events face unexplained setbacks during high-stakes finals. For Malinin, this appeared to manifest in technical errors that overshadowed his artistic performance. While he delivered a program filled with intricate footwork and artistry, the curse seemed to have the upper hand, leaving many fans wondering what could have been. Despite the disappointment, Malinin maintained his composure, acknowledging the difficulty of the moment but keeping his focus on the future.
Malinin's journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 17 years old, he became the youngest male skater to land four quadruple jumps in a single program and earned the highest technical score in Olympic history. His rise to fame has redefined the limits of figure skating, earning him widespread admiration from fans and peers alike. While his free skate performance didn’t match the brilliance of his short program, it’s clear that Malinin’s legacy as a groundbreaking skater is far from over.
The "Quad god" has already begun looking ahead, setting ambitious goals for the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships and future Olympics. His ability to remain focused on his long-term aspirations despite this setback speaks volumes about his character and determination. As he continues to redefine what’s possible in figure skating, fans worldwide are eager to see how Malinin will bounce back stronger than ever.
Malinin’s story is a testament to both the challenges and triumphs of elite sportsmanship. His
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Originally published on AP News on 2/14/2026