Ilia Malinin, widely known as the “God of Quads,” once again commanded global attention during the 2026 Winter Olympics with a free skate that electrified the arena and dominated headlines.
Crowds erupted as the American star delivered a technically stacked program packed with high-difficulty quad jumps — the kind that have defined his meteoric rise in men’s figure skating. Social media quickly filled with clips of the performance, with fans praising the power, speed, and precision that have become his trademark.
However, despite viral claims circulating online, there has been no official confirmation that a long-standing Olympic ban on backflips was lifted or that such an element was included as a scoring component in his program. The International Skating Union (ISU) has historically prohibited backflips in competition due to safety concerns, and any rule changes would require formal announcement and documentation.
What is confirmed is that Malinin’s technical arsenal continues to push the sport’s scoring boundaries. Known for landing the quad Axel — one of the most difficult jumps ever completed in competition — he has built a reputation for expanding what many thought physically possible on Olympic ice.
If rule changes regarding acrobatic elements were implemented, they would be clearly outlined in updated ISU technical guidelines. As of now, official scoring sheets and governing body communications remain the most reliable sources for understanding exactly what was performed and how it was evaluated.
Regardless of online speculation, Malinin’s Olympic showing reinforced his status as one of the most dominant and innovative skaters of his generation. Whether through quads, choreography, or competitive composure, he continues to redefine expectations — within the framework of the sport’s established rules.
Further clarification from Olympic officials and the ISU is expected as full event documentation becomes publicly available.