'Quad God' Ilia Malinin Is The Winter Olympics' Breakout Star

0:28Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Run Through. I've long known of his accolades, I'll say. Big fan, big fan. And I've been hardly tuning into the Olympics, hate to admit that, but for figure skating, I'm all in. Yes. I think America's fallen in love with Ilya this past week, so it's been so refreshing that people are finally on board with him. And I really feel like he is one of those breakout competitors, I'll say, where there is more chitter-chatter about Ilya than I've heard in a while about an individual Olympian, I'll say. And especially for this to be his first Olympics and have so much buzz around him.

1:07It was funny for us to be talking to him because we were recording this all remotely during a storm. Oh, my God. So true. So we're talking to him from our own homes and looking into his bedroom while we're chatting. Yeah, it felt so personal and intimate, even though he was about to embark onto the Olympics. Yes. It was such a funny dynamic, I feel. Right. It was like we were catching him right before he was leaving for the games. And he was very chill. Very chill. So now that I'm hearing so much commentary about him while he's skating, is what he's known for is just being like totally relaxed on the ice.

1:45And he was just as relaxed in our conversation. Yes. Before his highly anticipated Olympic debut, Ilya Malin became the first figure skater to do a quadruple axle in 2022. And in December, he became the first skater to do seven quad jumps in one program. And I've been hearing a lot of kind of talk during these games about quads while I'm watching other skaters, which can get a little confusing. But through my research, I have found that while there are other versions of quads, like toe quads is an example. You'll hear a lot of toe quad talk. But Ilya remains the only person who has landed a quadruple axle in competition.

2:23Am I right, Christian? You are correct. And in our chat, he talked a bit about how he perfects the quadruple axle, but not only just the quadruple axle. I really came across Ilya when he started doing his backflips during his skates, which he did during his team skate and won the gold for the Olympics. It's really become a signature move, and I think it's something everyone knows him for now. So he's kind of, his star has risen for that move, which I think is really exciting. Well, and you taught me that he doesn't even get credit for the backflips. They are more for style than score, but it's a big talking point now as people are wondering, you know, should the backflip be scored?

2:59Because they are not easy to do. He makes them look easy, but they're not. Well, and the judges love when the crowd engages. That ends up factoring into their score, and the crowd loves a backflip. They love a backflip. At the time of this recording, Ilya is skating in the men's short program, so we don't yet know how he did, but we, of course, are cheering him on. And on Friday, we'll see Ilya again compete in the Free Skate program. So we still have a lot more to see from him. Here's our conversation with figure skating superstar Ilya Malin.

3:35Hi, Ilya. We're so excited to speak to you right before you're off to the Olympics. How are you feeling? I feel great. I honestly, I feel pretty tired because these trainings have been so intense. but that gives me a lot of confidence and just makes me so excited leading up to the Games. Well, I imagine like prepping for the Olympics is a very stressful thing and obviously a lot goes into it. So what is your preparation been and sort of the lead up to it? Just kind of thinking about how I want to perform my best. I'm trying not to, you know, give me the unnecessary pressure of the Olympic stage and more just take it as I would prepare for any other competition really.

4:17That's just the mindset that I'm going into this year or just any year in general. It's just, you know, no need to overcomplicate things. Again, this is just another competition and you really just need to be prepared and just be confident in yourself. Well, and Ilya, as we're going into your first Olympics, I cover beauty for Vogue. So I'm very interested in your kind of even everyday preparation that to you has become so normal, even down to like, do you touch caffeine? I'm not a caffeine drinker. I do not drink anything that's caffeine. The only caffeine I would say is like chocolate. I always eat, I specifically eat one chocolate bar before I get on the ice or compete.

5:01It's a Hershey's chocolate. it. Well, Christian and I were reviewing so many of your performances over the past week, and I was even watching one of your vampire performances where it's basically saying, like, you know, sometimes I stay in bed all day because, you know, I hate the light. But I was thinking, like, you've probably never stayed in bed all day. Like, I bet that's absolutely not your style. Maybe on one weekend, yes. Oh, okay. When I'm not skating or when I have just one And sometimes I'm really tired after the week and I just lay in bed through absolutely nothing all day. Okay, that's comforting to me that you still, as an Olympian and a champion, let yourself rest.

5:45Take a day. Take a day! Sure, like, it would be hard to just go seven days straight without training. I feel like I still would want a day in between, like, at least one day off during the week just to kind of regroup and cool down for a little bit. But can you walk us through a day though when you are training? Could you sort of paint a picture of what that looks like? Like, so you know you have a day where you have to work on something. What does that day look like for you? My day starts off with just getting on the ice at maybe like eight o 'clock in the morning and taking an hour, an hour and a half just to really get comfortable in my skates.

6:20And what that looks like is just kind of more like a warm-up style of like a practice. So that's where I warm up and get like good ice control and really just get comfortable with my boots and maybe do just a little bit of jumping, but not so much. And it's more just kind of waking up the body and really getting into that like training groove. And then I'll have like a two hour break where I eat lunch or, you know, have a little snack. And then another two hours is where I'm more intense and really just kind of get straight to what I need to do or train what I need for a competition specifically.

6:55And that's just like very intense running the programs over and over and over, just constantly working on, you know, the stamina, coordination, muscle memory. And then after that, go home and eat and do like an interview or two like this. Lovely journalist like us, who I'm sure you love speaking to. Honored to be a part of your day. and for our listeners that may not know you are known as the quad god because you've become the first skater to do a quadruple axle as of 2022 and recently you became the first skater to do seven quad jumps in one program um what is involved doing a quadruple axle that makes it so hard for the lay person like us i mean it's like i always use this like kind of not concept but like metaphor to explain it to people is like for people that don't skate just like just try to stand up jump and do like one rotation in the air so you know some people may be able to do it some people may not but now what you do is you take that and in that same amount of time you have to do four revolutions or in the quad axle case which is four and a half then you have to take that you have to transfer it over to the ice where you're wearing shoes with knives, basically.

8:13And then what you do is you have to do that. And then landing on one leg, you have to do it. You have to make it so perfect. You have to be able to land it every single time. And you have to go to competition in front of people watching and an audience and judges, and you have to nail it with the pressure and the nerves. Well, and I think that a key part of this that you mentioned in your response is that it's actually four and a half. Because when I watch you doing it to my, you know, to my normie eye, it looks like five, you know. And so it explains why, because it's actually like a four and a half turn and then you land backwards.

8:55Is that right? The axle jump is the only jump that takes off going forward. So that's why it's considered harder because you have to do an extra half rotation. Are you someone who sort of, once you nail something and you get it, you can just keep doing it again? Like once you get it the first time, are you set? Usually, yes. It's kind of how figure skating works in general is once you land it for the first time, you kind of get an understanding of what you need to do now to have it happen again. and what you have to try to do is repeat that kind of motion or muscle memory over and over again. So there's always kind of this period, at least when I skated, where I would land a new jump and for like one week I'd be able to land it occasionally, but then for two, three weeks I would not land it again because it's like you kind of were doing it on like extra energy and maybe adrenaline at that case.

9:52So it's more like getting it to a normal routine, if that makes sense. Really just bringing it to how you would normally do it. And then after those few weeks, once I finally unlocked it, then it's pretty much just integrated to my normal practice routine. And your parents, they train you, they coach you. Were they with you whenever you first landed it to witness it? I don't remember exactly, but they always coach me and they give me strong advice. And I'm just really grateful for them being here for me. Honestly, without them, I don't think I'd be at the level I am right now. It was just such a memorable moment for me learning Nequad Axel.

10:35They originally called me like crazy for thinking of the idea because no one has done it at the time. And they didn't see it. but you know my dad has a it's like a pull harness so it's kind of a way for him to help you know someone get a feel for a jump when they might not necessarily have you know the fast jump or you know fast rotation so like over time we would be doing it on this pull harness and you know he would start slowly slowly seeing that oh it's more possible it's more possible and then at some point he's like he can definitely do it without it because i'm not even helping him at all.

11:12I'm just there. So after that was when I was like, okay, I feel confident maybe, you know, in the next few days we can try it without. Well, when I was watching some of your videos, there was lots of conversation about the Malin and family. And so we do kind of want to get also a sense of what a day in the life for you is, even if it's like, you know, waking up, how it works out for y 'all. Like, when is it, when are you casual together? And when are you sort of like on during a regular day in your training? I feel like we're just a family 24 seven. For me, I don't understand that. I feel like we're all just the same all throughout the day.

11:52So it can be like, for example, you know, talking about stuff we want to eat at home at the rink or talking about things we need to work on at home. I don't really see that as an issue to kind of break up those like, oh, when we're family, oh, when I'm coaching you, it's and I'm all integrated into one. It's part of the package. What do you think is sort of the biggest lesson you've learned from your parents? Because obviously they know a lot about skating. And then on the other side, what do you think you've taught your parents about skating? Because you know a lot about skating too. You know, trust yourself and also taking things one step at a time.

12:27That's something really important that they always mention, especially before every competition. They say, you know, take things one step at a time, you know, don't think too much ahead. And that really kind of also works with life as well. And it really helps me kind of figure out what I want to do in my life is just keeping things, you know, nice and taking things, you know, this is done. Now let's go to the next step, then the next step. But I think I might teach them that sometimes I'm not afraid to, you know, go my own way. And maybe before they've always wanted to, you know, be, be like everyone else, but I'm, I'm completely different.

13:08I feel like I want to just be the most different person from, you know, a group like you could easily point me out in a group. That's kind of the person I like to be. And they're starting to notice that and really kind of, we collaborate a lot with how we are on the ice. So of course, I have the kind of ideas that I want, whether it landing a new type of jump or, you know, doing something with a different kind of music that no one has skated to. And they always give their input like, oh, this is what's going to happen. Or this is something that you might need to do in order to get that new jump.

13:44So it's really just kind of a collaboration. And honestly, I enjoyed that process. I do think there's sort of like a fearlessness to your skating. Like I was watching, I think it's called Malagania. Is that what it's called? Yeah, Malagania. 2024 that you did. And I love that you sort of just lean into the theatrics and you kind of really just let yourself be lost in the performance. And that's not something every skater does. So how did you sort of embody that fearlessness when you get on the ice? Do you mentally have to train yourself to just go with it? Is it something you do actively? Just enjoying the, like the program itself is really just not worrying specifically about what you have to do, but really just trying to enjoy every moment.

14:29That's why we do these programs so much because that's what we're going to be doing for basically the rest of the year. So we want to get really comfortable. But also if it's more like a robot doing tasks, then it's not necessarily going to be, you know, pleasing for people to watch. So it's more fun that you can kind of just let everything go and really just try to enjoy every single moment. But it's also, you know, practicing, whether that be you skating to like a Spanish program, like I did then. It's like, you really have to embrace that character. And what helps me most is trying to envision kind of a concept around it.

15:05So I envision myself in that program being like a bullfighter. And so that's kind of the whole concept around that program is you have to be, you know, fearless, because you're going against a bull pretty much. So it's always kind of ties in with the concept of the program, but also how you're taught and also with your confidence. If you're not necessarily confident on the ice, you may not be the best that you can perform. So if you're just, you know, feel confident about what you're doing and what you do, you could kind of just let it go and let the muscle memory take over and you can express yourself more.

15:40Well, and thinking about expressing yourself, we were talking about how traditionally when we're looking at like, let's say like a female skater, we've got glitter, we've got sparkles. We've got a lot of like sort of like catch the light beauty moments. For you, it's maybe like how are you expressing yourself in people are kind of obsessed with your hair. We've been talking about that. How do you prepare yourself for these moments? We'll get to the fashion because we're very interested. But from the neck up, from the neck up, what are we working with? No, I feel like it's just part of it is just being you.

16:15And I think this also applies to female skaters as well. It's like whatever they want to do and just how they want to present themselves is how you really get kind of that known for. I mean, I really don't do much with my hair, but somehow people really like it. And that's just kind of an interesting fact. Like, okay, it's like, I mean, it's okay, but I know I don't really do much with hair or makeup or anything. It's just kind of giving a natural look and just kind of feeling confident with that look. I think that's the most important is just really feeling good of how you are. And that might apply to female skaters as well.

16:50You know, they might feel good with a little bit of glitter. They might feel looking a little more natural. They might feel good with anything else. So it's, you know, it's all personal preference. And that's why I kind of like this sport. It's so free and I want it to be so much more open and diverse and really just let people show their personalities that are included with, you know, the programs.

17:15The run-through will be back in a moment.

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18:20I definitely want to talk about fashion, but one more thing before we move on to that is I want to talk about your music choices and your love of music, because that's something that really stands out to me in your skates, is you've done classical music, you've done rap, you've done things in between. And what are some of your musical interests and how do you pick a song for a skate? The process for most skaters is they find a concept that they want to do or an idea, but it all, it can really vary. Like for me personally, I like to pick music that gives me a different style from what I've done in previous years, but also something that I really see a vision of me performing well.

19:02I mean, most of the time, I really like to do things, like I said, completely different, outside the box, just being as unique as possible. So a lot of the times I go with music that really just speaks to me and I'll listen to music over and over and over. And I'll get goosebumps if I really like this song. And it's part of that that gives me like, oh, listening to this music, I feel an inspiration or I feel a concept involved. So it's like coming up with an idea with the music that you listen to and then bringing it up to a choreographer, let's say, or just bringing the idea up to my coaches saying, I have this idea, for example, I want to skate to rap this year because I feel like it fits really good with this warrior type of music.

19:47And they'll always agree or disagree or say their thoughts. And honestly, I enjoyed it a lot, but I found out that a lot of skaters don't get that choice to choose their own music because I'm not sure the reasons why. But I feel like if you're able to choose your own music, you will feel much more comfortable skating with music that you like versus music that you don't like. Or just even how you express yourself. It's like, oh, I have to take this program again. Or you're going to love the music so much that you're just going to fully embrace it. Well, and in your recent competition, you even created your own music because you did the voiceover of, I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but sort of the idea of your future self speaking to you in that moment.

20:33And where did you, how did that entire concept come to be? On the music pieces with my parents and my choreographer, and I worked together to find those pieces. But, you know, during making the program, my mom had the idea of maybe adding a voiceover during it. Or, you know, I didn't think she said my voice necessarily. but she was supposed to tell me when we left to get the program done but I guess she didn't so I came up with the idea on my own while I was there saying oh we should add a voiceover to it and I think maybe adding my voice would be cool so it's just funny to hear that she was thinking the exact same thing that I thought and then after that of course we agreed and we kind of played around a little bit and with choreographer Shaylin Bourne And I feel like is one of the best choreographers in the skating business.

21:27My favorite choreographer to watch even other skaters who do programs with her, but also just how I move myself. And she really takes everything out of you to give you, you know, as much movement as she can. Yeah, I know you can't obviously share any what you're going to be doing at the Olympics, but I'm curious if there's any sounds or any musical influences you're inspired by at the moment or maybe down the line you would be. love to incorporate into a skate? For the Olympics, we stick to the same routine that we've had throughout the whole season. So I doubt that I would have to change it last minute because again, it's also like a week left.

22:05So it's kind of what we've trained the whole year to do. So usually people like to stick with one program throughout the season, or they'll bring back a previous program that they've done in previous years, just because it's so natural and more comfortable to skate. But of course, when we think about future years, there's so many different ideas that I have in mind. And honestly, one of them might be, I want to try to actually make my own music, like the music itself and, you know, instruments or maybe, you know, a rap program. Who knows, I might get inspired by that. But just in general, just, I always try to find ways and things to do.

22:40So it's going to be a fun process. I'm excited. That would be a total flex to like, not only escape, but like to your own music that you composed. Wow. Maybe. I mean, we'll see. There's a lot of ideas that I have in mind after, especially after these Olympics of what I want to do. We'll probably be into the next segment, which is like modeling, acting, you know, maybe even a fashion designer as well. So there's a lot of things that I kind of want to do that are, feel like are more creative. And my thinking is always to be, you know, as creative, as unique as possible. Well, and that's a great segue into our fashion question, Christian.

23:19I know, I'm burning to ask these questions because I am, well, first of all, I'm Canadian, so I've always been obsessed with skating outfits, particularly it's ingrained in our culture. And I really love your approach to what you wear for your skates because I think it nods to sort of the traditional glamour of ice skating, but it also feels really unexpected and contemporary and modern. And I've read that you sort of have a, you play a big part in designing your outfits. Is that true? Is that something you enjoy doing? A big part because I mean, I'm kind of the one wearing the costume and skating in it.

23:54So I feel like I will, again, it's a similar reason that I would have to love it in order to feel good on the ice. And that's something that's kind of important in there. But it's always a collaboration between, you know, me, my coaches, my choreographer and the costume designer. So we all kind of get an agreement like the choreographer will send her say like, this is the music. This is the concept behind the program. What is the concept or something that you can come up with? And then we get some rough sketches and we say, oh, we like this idea or maybe we can change it. Then we see it through photos, kind of how it looks.

24:30And then, of course, we get meld the final result and then we try it out. And, you know, if we need to change things, you know, it's kind of inconvenient that my costume designer is in Japan. So we kind of have to go through that hassle of sending it here and back. But it's also a fun experience, you know, just getting the costume and kind of being excited. Oh, let's open the package. Let's see what it is. I feel like that's what I love. And again, bringing it on the ice is just so much completely different. It's really how you feel in person. What have been some of your favorite looks over the past few years that you've been working together?

25:05I would say definitely my favorite costumes are the ones from this year. I feel like they're always the next step because I've also had a little bit of a mindset change. Originally, I was always going for just comfort and, you know, practicality. But now I'm really like, okay, you know, I can sacrifice a little bit of that for an extra, you know, pizzazz or an extra kind of, you know, unique look is how I can explain it. I'm curious about the balance of, A, you want to wear something that's beautiful and striking and that a lot of people are excited to see on the ice, but it also has to function.

25:42Like, you have to be able to do a quad, you got to do your famous backflips, and obviously it needs to move with you. So what are the more technical details that you look for in an outfit? Again, in the future, I want to be able to design my own costumes and clothes and genitals. So I feel like something that I would probably look for is how stretchy the fabric is. It needs to be comfortable so it can move in different ways. But also having something that's a very light fabric is also something important so that we don't feel like there's 20 pounds of material on us when we're skating. And that sometimes can affect people.