Born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Ilin took to strongman competition relatively late at the age of 30.

Within four years, he was his country's national champion, winning the 2009 Ukraine's Strongest Man contest.

In 2009, he continued to impress and was invited to the 2009 World's Strongest Man in a field described as the best ever.

He did not make the final in a group whose top two were Derek Poundstone and Louis-Philippe Jean.

Ilin broke Derek Poundstone's world record in the 95 kg (209 lb) circus dumbbell with 10 repetitions during the Strongman Champions League event in Kyiv, Ukraine on 18 December 2010.