Reston-trained Olympian inspires local skaters

by Dawn Crosson, Owner, Publisher, Editor

Ilia Malinin's mural is in the entryway at SkateQuest. Photo by Dawn Crosson

Step into Reston’s SkateQuest rink and a mural of Ilia Malinin winning his first World Figure Skating Championship greets visitors in the entryway. The image celebrates the hometown skater who has trained there since he was 6 years old.

Now 21, Malinin has become one of the most electrifying figures in men’s skating. He is widely recognized for pushing the sport’s technical limits, most notably as the first skater ever to land a quadruple Axel in competition. This February, he helped Team USA win gold in the team figure skating event at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

Malinin entered the Olympics as a favorite for gold in the men’s event but finished eighth overall. While the result fell short of the lofty expectations that followed him to Italy, his Olympic appearance has only heightened excitement close to home.

During the Games, SkateQuest hosted watch parties for Malinin’s performances and displayed handmade good-luck cards from throngs of young skaters. Many pause their own lessons just to watch the Olympian train, a reminder that elite talent sometimes shares the same ice where they practice their first jumps and spins. Seeing a world-class athlete up close can make their own ambitions feel more attainable.

For Reston, having a world-class competitor train at the neighborhood rink is more than a point of pride. It’s a reminder that extraordinary achievements can begin on familiar ice.

Later this month, Malinin will attempt to win his third World Figure Skating Championship—and the skaters at SkateQuest will be watching closely.

SkateQuest issued the following statement on the local increase in skating popularity:

SkateQuest is seeing increased interest in skating this season, a trend that often occurs during Olympic years. Our current Learn to Skate session is about 30% ahead of the same session last year, with beginner enrollment up more than 80% year over year. Periods of heightened interest in ice sports are always exciting for our team, and we look forward to building on this momentum throughout the year and welcoming new skaters to the rink.

Having world-class athletes like Ilia Malinin and Sarah Everhardt training at SkateQuest adds excitement and inspiration for many of our young skaters. Sarah and Ilia will represent SkateQuest at the 2026 World Championships later this month.

For those interested in getting started, SkateQuest offers its Learn to Skate program year-round and continues to welcome new skaters of all ages and skill levels to the rink.