Triple & Quad Axel: Why Are They So Difficult?

Ilia malinin Redefines figure Skating with Historic Quad Axel

A groundbreaking achievement in the world of figure skating is captivating audiences: U.S. men’s champion Ilia Malinin has successfully landed the quadruple axel, a jump previously considered beyond reach. This feat is poised to reshape the competitive landscape and inspire a new generation of skaters.

Even casual fans of figure skating are familiar with the triple axel, but the quad axel represents a meaningful leap in difficulty. What sets the axel apart from other jumps is its unique takeoff-forward, rather than backward-and the resulting extra half rotation. A single axel requires 1.5 rotations in the air, a double 2.5, and a triple 3.5. Malinin’s quad axel demands an astonishing 4.5 revolutions before landing.

Did you know? – The axel is the only jump in figure skating that takes off facing forward. This forward takeoff adds an extra half rotation compared to other jumps of the same number of revolutions, making it uniquely challenging.

The Mechanics of a Revolutionary Jump

The foundation for mastering the axel lies in the waltz jump, one of the earliest leaps skaters learn. This foundational jump involves a simple half-turn, transitioning from forward gliding to a backward landing.Skaters initiate the jump by taking off on one leg, propelling themselves into the air to complete the rotation, and landing on the opposite leg while gliding backward.

While seemingly straightforward as a half-turn, adding rotations exponentially increases the challenge.The forward takeoff of the axel is inherently more difficult than a backward takeoff. To maintain balance, skaters naturally shift their weight toward the center of the blade to avoid the toe pick.A forward takeoff requires a more forceful projection of weight into the air, making each additional rotation significantly harder to execute.

Pioneering Women in the Axel’s Evolution

The progression toward the quad axel was paved by pioneering female skaters. Japan’s midori Ito first landed a triple axel in competition in 1988, and then again at the Olympics in 1992. in the United States, Tonya Harding was the first American woman to land the jump in competition in 1991, while Mirai Nagasu achieved the feat at the Olympics in 2018. currently, Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu, both representing the U.S.,have successfully incorporated the triple axel into their routines,though Liu has opted not to include it as her return to competition. Glenn, leveraging off-ice training during the pandemic, has refined her strength and technique, making the jump a consistent element of her performances, according to her coach.

Malinin’s Historic Achievement and Future Implications

While many male skaters routinely compete with the triple axel, Malinin stands alone as the first to successfully land the quad axel in competition. Remarkably, he downplays the difficulty of the jump, stating, “I kind of picked up [

Pro tip – Skaters often use harness systems during training to safely practice difficult jumps like the quad axel. These systems allow them to attempt the jump with reduced risk of injury while building the necessary strength and technique.

…it and just started doing it.” Who: Ilia Malinin,a 19-year-old American figure skater,achieved this historic feat. What: He successfully landed the quad axel in competition, a jump involving 4.5 rotations in the air. Why: The quad axel is considered the most difficult jump in figure skating due to its forward takeoff and extra half rotation. How: Malinin built upon the foundational waltz jump and years of training, refining his technique and strength to execute the jump. The first triumphant landing occurred at the U.S. International Figure Skating Classic in Lake Placid, New York, on September 13, 2022.He has as landed it multiple times in competition, solidifying its place in his repertoire.

This achievement signals a potential paradigm shift in figure skating, pushing the