The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will be remembered for all the wrong reasons for figure skating superstar Ilia Malinin. Despite helping lead Team USA to a gold medal in the team event, Malinin’s shocking performance at the individual final will be the thorn that sticks out.
Malinin entered the Olympics as the favorite to win gold in the men’s free skate competition. The 21-year-old has been a dominant force in the sport and was expected to carry that momentum into the Winter Games.
Malinin, however, fell twice during his routine. He finished eighth. The "Quad God" admitted after the competition that he struggled with the mental side of the competition.
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The good news for Malinin is that he is still just 21. He has a long way to go in his career, and he will have many opportunities to make amends for his shortcomings in the 2026 Games.
This includes the 2030 Olympics, which will be held in the French Alps. Malinin has already indicated that he plans to compete in the next edition of the Winter Games. On Wednesday, the two-time World Figure Skating champion doubled down on his future plans.
“Thank you to @honda for riding with me as I chase what’s next. The dream doesn’t stop here,” he declared.
Although the post links to his endorsement partnership with Honda, the message remains the same. Malinin will continue to chase his dream of being the best in the world. He isn't going to let his unfortunate incident in the individual final stop him.
The three-time Grand Prix champion's powerful message drew the attention of fans on social media.
“Keep chasing your dreams! You’re doing amazing! 🤍” a comment on Instagram read.
“You inspired us all so much with your character and how you are as a person (besides your exceptional figure skating). That's whats gonna always be there and why we always will Support you🙌❤️” another said.
“we’re always with you ilia!!!❤️” declared a supporter.
“Can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll accomplish next!” a reaction read.
“You will come back stronger than before ❤️🔥” said another.
“We're here, always cheering you on! 🤍⛸️🪽” a fan wrote.
Malinin has already achieved so much in his career. At this point, he’s already considered an icon of the sport. He hit a major roadblock at the Olympics, but he is set on making things right.