Alysa Liu’s Olympic Spark Inspires Ilia Malinin As The “Quad God” Unleashes Viral Moves In Switzerland
In the world of figure skating today, few athletes command as much attention as the United States’ Alysa Liu.
The double Olympic gold medalist quickly became one of the defining faces of the Winter Games, capturing global audiences with her distinctive style, vibrant personality, and joyful performances that not only thrilled longtime fans but also introduced millions of new viewers to the sport.
Before the Olympics began, Liu’s fellow American and close friend Ilia Malinin spoke openly about his own ambitions. He hoped to become a new face of the sport as well, drawing fresh audiences with his gravity-defying technical elements and fearless skating style.
Although Malinin captured team gold alongside Liu in Milan, his individual men’s event turned into a difficult moment. Instead of looking comfortable and confident, he appeared tense and visibly frustrated throughout the competition.
Yet just one week after the Olympic flame was extinguished, Malinin appeared to regain his rhythm — perhaps even taking inspiration from Liu as he prepares for the upcoming World Championships in Prague, Czechia, at the end of March.
During an exhibition event in Switzerland, the skater known worldwide as the “Quad God” returned to what he does best, packing his program with an extraordinary number of quadruple jumps, including his signature and still-rare quad Axel.
But the technical fireworks were only part of the story. After delivering two intense and emotionally heavy routines in Milan during his short program and free skate, the 21-year-old appeared far more relaxed in Switzerland, clearly enjoying himself on the ice.
During the final performance of the multi-day show, Malinin quickly went viral online. Fans were amazed not only by the sheer number of quadruple jumps but also by the playful energy he brought to the routine, blending elite athleticism with a sense of spontaneity that electrified the crowd.
The “Quad God” left spectators stunned when he launched into his signature butterfly twist before unexpectedly shifting into a breakdance-inspired moment, spinning across the ice on his backside while the audience erupted in cheers.
Some supporters had worried that Malinin, a back-to-back world champion, might either skip the upcoming Prague competition or place overwhelming pressure on himself after the Olympic disappointment. Instead, he seems to be taking a completely different approach.
If Malinin continues embracing a freer, more expressive style — similar to the path Liu showcased during her Olympic triumph — it could mark the next stage in the evolution of the world’s top male figure skater.
And for the rest of the field heading into Prague, that possibility might be the most intimidating development of all.
