Figure Skaters Are Redefining Limits with Quad Axel at 2026 Winter Olympics

The world of figure skating has always been about surpassing limits, blending artistry with athleticism. Yet, few moments felt as groundbreaking as when Ilia Malinin successfully landed the quad axel in 2022—a jump many experts doubted was ever possible. As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina near, all eyes are on skaters aiming to rewrite what’s achievable on ice.

The progression from triple to quadruple jumps represents not only physical mastery but intense technical preparation, mental focus, and evolving training methods.

What Is the Quad Axel and Why Is It So Challenging?

The quad axel is a quadruple rotation jump that involves launching off the forward outside edge of one skate, completing four and a half revolutions (four full spins plus an additional half turn), and landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. It’s unlike other quad jumps because it requires an extra half rotation, making it the most difficult single jump in figure skating.

Landing a quad axel involves precise timing, incredible rotation speed, and exceptional air control—skills that take years to develop. This makes it a landmark achievement for any skater who lands it successfully in competition.

How Did Ilia Malinin Change the Game?

When Ilia Malinin executed the quad axel in 2022, it wasn’t just about a new jump added to his routine; it was a signal that the boundaries of figure skating physics were expanding. Malinin’s accomplishment demonstrated that with innovative training techniques and athletic development, previously unimaginable feats could be achieved.

His success inspired athletes to train harder and strategize performances that integrate technically ambitious elements while maintaining grace and artistry.

Training Innovations Needed

• Enhanced off-ice strength conditioning to generate explosive power
• Advanced video analysis to perfect jump mechanics
• Mental preparation for managing the heightened pressure of risky elements

What’s Next for Figure Skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Milan Cortina Games expect a thrilling showcase, with skaters attempting more technically demanding maneuvers including multiple quad jumps in one program. The push to combine jumps like the quad axel with others in sequences could elevate scoring potential and excite audiences worldwide.

Skaters are balancing risk and reward carefully—attempting these moves requires acknowledging the higher chance of falls or errors, which can affect final scores.

Common Mistakes Figure Skaters Make When Attempting Quad Jumps

Mastering quad jumps doesn’t come without pitfalls. Here are frequent errors observed during training and competition:

• Over-rotation or under-rotation: Misjudging spin speed leads to unstable landings
• Improper takeoff edge: Incorrect edge use causes loss of momentum and balance
• Inadequate air position: Poor body alignment reduces rotational velocity
• Rushing progression: Skaters moving too quickly into complex jumps without mastering fundamentals often increase injury risk

How Does Figure Skating Scoring Address These Advanced Jumps?

Figure skating scoring rewards both the technical difficulty of elements and the quality of execution. The International Skating Union (ISU) assigns a base value to each jump, with quads like the axel and lutz among the highest. Judges then apply positive or negative grades of execution (GOE) based on factors like height, speed, and landing quality.

This scoring system encourages skaters to not only attempt difficult jumps but also perfect their technique for maximum points.

Why Aren’t All Skaters Attempting Quad Axels Yet?

The quad axel demands physical characteristics and technical mastery that only a few possess. Additionally, it requires massive commitment to training and carries high injury risks. Many skaters prioritize consistency with other quad jumps, making the quad axel an elite and rare skill for now.

What Lessons Can Other Sports Learn from This Pursuit of Limits?

The push for increasingly difficult elements in figure skating highlights common themes across sports disciplines:

• Incremental progress: What seems impossible gradually becomes standard through innovation and persistence
• Balancing risk versus reward: Athletes and coaches must decide when the potential payoff justifies pushing boundaries
• Importance of mental fortitude: Ambitious goals require managing fear and maintaining focus amid pressure

This mindset fuels progress in many athletic fields.

What Can You Do to Understand Figure Skating’s Technical Evolution?

If you want a hands-on view of how these jumps work, start by watching slow-motion videos to observe body positioning and rotation. Notice how skaters channel power from their core and legs, keeping tight spots to spin faster (like ice skaters pulling arms inward).

Additionally, compare attempts where jumps succeed and fail—look for how small adjustments in takeoff or landing angles make a big difference.

Understanding these subtle details helps appreciate the growing complexity and beauty of modern figure skating.

Next Steps: Try This 20-Minute Activity

To get a practical sense of the challenges figure skaters face, watch three different quad jump attempts at varying speeds online. Write down observations about the takeoff, rotation speed, and landing balance.

Try replicating the motion slowly on one leg (without jumping) to feel how balance and body positioning matter. This simple exercise builds awareness of the human biomechanics behind those breathtaking jumps.

By appreciating the skill and effort behind each jump, you gain insight into why the quad axel’s arrival was such a milestone and why the 2026 Winter Olympics are highly anticipated by fans worldwide.