- Olympic skater Ilia Malinin visited the Figure Skating Club of Park City.
- Malinin's backflips have transformed the sport and impressed local skaters and coaches.
PARK CITY — Out of all the cities and clubs in the country, the Figure Skating Club of Park City was chosen to have a moment with one of the breakout stars of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
These young athletes' lives revolve around figure skating.
"I'm here (at the rink) almost four to five hours every single day," club member Autumn Boyd said.
They'll be the first to tell you, when they see U.S. skaters on the ice, it reminds them of the ultimate goal.
"The Olympics is basically our version of the Super Bowl," head coach of the club, Stephanie Bass, said.
This year, one of the U.S. figure skaters stands out.
"Ilia, the quad god, has absolutely transformed figure skating," Bass said. "He's doing things that we never thought were possible."
Ilia Malinin's formerly illegal, now signature, backflips make skaters and coaches thrilled and nervous.
"It's something I've never coached before, but I'm excited to bring it into our sport," Bass said.
When the Olympic Channel reached out to the Figure Skating Club of Park City with an opportunity to meet Malinin, Bass jumped at the opportunity.
"It was his first event of the Olympics," Bass said. "He got off the ice and came over and talked to our kids."
Malinin said his hellos to the Utah skaters.
"Out of all the clubs in the United States, they, like, had us do it," club member Madison Lampert said.
Bass said it takes a lot to come speak with kids while competing, under an immense amount of pressure.
"For someone to take the time at the Olympics to connect with young fans halfway across the world, it just kind of shows his character," she said.
She said this moment, and Malinin's choreography, made a huge impression on her skaters.
"These athletes will remember this for the rest of their lives," Bass said.
