Ilia Malinin, the American figure skater dubbed the “Quad God” for his groundbreaking quadruple Axel, comes from a family steeped in Olympic tradition. His parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, were both Winter Olympians, representing Uzbekistan in figure skating at the 1998 Nagano and 2002 Salt Lake City games. This pedigree isn’t just a biographical detail; it highlights how elite athletic performance often runs in families, with genetics, discipline, and mentorship playing critical roles.
A Family of Skaters
Malinin’s parents weren’t just participants in the Olympics; they were pioneers in their own right. Malinina was the first skater representing Uzbekistan to medal at an ISU Championship, securing gold at the inaugural Four Continents Championship in 1999. Skorniakov competed in the men’s event at both the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics, achieving a rank of 19th in both games. Their combined Olympic experience provides Malinin with a unique advantage: direct coaching from athletes who’ve been at the highest level.
From Reluctance to Coaching
Interestingly, Malinin’s parents initially discouraged him from pursuing figure skating. In interviews, they revealed they understood the sacrifices and hardships involved in the sport and didn’t want their son to endure the same grueling path. Malinin himself initially preferred soccer but was steered toward skating due to logistical constraints. He landed his first quadruple jump at 13, which changed his parents’ perspective and led them to recognize his potential.
Now, Tatiana and Roman serve as Malinin’s primary coaches, alongside U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Famer Rafael Arutyunyan. Their dynamic is particularly noteworthy: Malinin credits his mother with being the stricter of the two, a common pattern in parent-athlete relationships where mothers often take on a more disciplined role.
A Second Generation
The athletic legacy doesn’t end with Ilia. His younger sister, Elli Beatrice, also skates competitively, having recently performed in the juvenile girls division at the 2025 U.S. Eastern Sectionals. This reinforces the idea that high-level athletic achievement can be nurtured within a family structure, with shared experience and guidance playing a crucial role.
The Malinin family story is a compelling example of how athletic talent can be passed down through generations, with Olympic experience serving as both a foundation and a source of motivation. Their journey underscores the sacrifices, discipline, and dedication required to succeed at the highest level of figure skating—a legacy that Ilia Malinin continues to build upon with his own record-breaking performances.
