Ilya Malinin, known as “Four Gods” He continued to dazzle fans as he showed off his true warrior spirit once again in his latest performance at the 2026 Olympic Games in Cortina, Milan.

Marinen performed a historic backflip to help Team USA win the gold medal in the team competition. Officials banned the move in 1976, citing safety concerns. Before Malinen, fellow American Terry Kubica was the last skater to legally land at the Olympics.

Marinen will compete in Friday’s men’s free skate as the gold medal favorite. He can try the first one Four and a half weeks for the Olympics.

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Ilia Malinin of the United States competes in the men’s figure skating short program during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Marinen admitted to taking a cautious approach to what is widely regarded as the most difficult jump in the sport.

“I hope I feel good enough to do it (Friday),” he told reporters on Tuesday. “But, of course, I always prioritize health and safety, so I really want to get myself in the right frame of mind so that I go into it very confidently and not take the risk.”

Who is Ilya Malinin? The “Four Gods” may have become one of the greatest figure skaters of all time

The International Skating Union (ISU) lifted the somersault ban in June 2024, clearing the way for the backflip to return to skating’s biggest stage.

Ilia Malinin performs a trick during the men’s figure skating short program during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The agenda of the ISU meeting at the time stated: “The somersault jump is so spectacular that it is no longer logical to make it illegal today.”

Ilia Malinin stands in the center of the ice during the men’s figure skating short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Christophe Einer)

Although the backflip does not add a set point value to the skater, Marinen last season Admits he enjoys performing the act.

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“It got applause from the audience and it felt very suspenseful and I really enjoyed doing it,” he said.

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