For decades, the limits of figure skating seemed fixed. In 2021, veteran coach Alexei Mishin confidently declared that a quad axel – four-and-a-half rotations in the air – would remain an impossibility within his lifetime. Two years later, 17-year-old Ilia Malinin proved him wrong, landing the jump and reshaping the sport’s boundaries. Now, the question isn’t if skaters will push further, but how far they can go. The next logical step: the quintuple jump.
The Evolution of Jumps
The quest for more rotations began in the late 1990s with Kurt Browning’s first ratified quadruple toe loop, kicking off the “quad era.” Over the following decades, skaters added more quad variations, but the axel remained elusive. Malinin’s success wasn’t just a technical breakthrough; it defied expectations and established him as a generational talent. He has already won two world titles and is the overwhelming favorite for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The jump is deceptively simple in concept: five full rotations in the air. Yet, the physics involved are brutal. The Associated Press recently argued that a quintuple jump is “truly impossible,” citing limitations in speed and amplitude. However, this claim overlooks Malinin’s unique approach.
Malinin’s Advantage: Speed, Not Just Height
Traditional figure skating technique prioritized height and a graceful arc. Modern skaters, however, focus on maximizing rotational speed. Elite male skaters jump roughly 20 inches high; the key difference is how quickly they rotate. Ilia Malinin doesn’t reach peak rotational velocity like other skaters; instead, he snaps into position faster, allowing him to maintain angular velocity longer. As Lindsay Slater Hannigan, US Figure Skating’s sports sciences manager, puts it: “His quad axel looks like everyone else’s triple axel.”
This efficiency is why Malinin can perform a quad axel with the same rotational speeds as others use for triples. It also suggests a quintuple jump isn’t as far-fetched as some believe. He doesn’t need to push his limits to the breaking point; he simply needs to refine his technique.
The Role of Judging and Technique
The International Skating Union (ISU) rules further complicate matters. A “true” quint requires five full rotations, but skaters often pre-rotate on the ice before takeoff, and judges sometimes overlook slight under-rotations on landing. This ambiguity means a skater could technically land a four-and-a-quarter rotation jump and still be credited with a quint.
Malinin’s technique is already close enough to meet those standards. As physicist and judge George Rossano notes, the ISU’s definition of a quint is more about meeting minimum standards than achieving absolute perfection.
Beyond Technique: Training and Recovery
The shift towards more difficult jumps isn’t just about talent; it’s about training. Modern athletes benefit from advanced off-ice conditioning and recovery protocols that prevent injuries and extend careers. Timothy Goebel, a pioneer of quad jumps in the early 2000s, recalls a generation where skaters pushed their limits but often suffered burnout. Today’s athletes are more durable, allowing them to sustain high-intensity training for longer periods.
The Future of the Sport
The quintuple jump isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about redefining what’s possible. Malinin’s success will inspire other skaters to attempt the jump, ensuring it becomes replicable. Rio Nakata, the current world junior champion, has already studied Malinin’s technique closely, indicating that the next generation is eager to push the boundaries.
The sport’s evolution depends not only on individual skill but also on systemic changes. Until recently, the ISU undervalued the quad axel in scoring, despite its difficulty. If the quintuple jump is to become a realistic goal, the scoring system must accurately reflect its challenge.
Ultimately, Malinin’s achievements represent a culmination of decades of development. The sport has evolved from graceful arcs to efficient rotations, from experimental training to optimized recovery. The quintuple jump is not just a physical feat; it is the logical next step in a relentless pursuit of the impossible.
