United States figure skater Ilia Malinin closed out his 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in style. The 21-year-old gave an encore performance in the figure skating Exhibition Gala on Saturday. Malinin had one final act, and the “Quad God” made sure to make it a memorable one.
There was no medal at stake in the gala. For Malinin, it was an opportunity to showcase his talent. The reigning World Figure Skating champion also used the platform to deliver a powerful message. Skating to the song “Fear” by NF, Malinin’s awe-inspiring routine highlighted the importance of caring for one’s mental health.
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Malinin’s Winter Games began with a gold medal with Team USA in the team event but were marred by his forgettable performance in the free skate. While he was heavily favored to win individual gold, Malinin crumbled under the immense pressure, finishing eighth. He admitted after the loss that he struggled with the mental aspect of the competition.
A crucial part of Malinin’s statement in the gala was his outfit choice. Instead of the usual bodysuit, the Vienna, Virginia, native chose jeans and a hoodie. This was a typical outfit a person of Malinin’s age would wear. He wanted to make his routine relatable, just as his message on mental health widely impacts his generation.
According to Complex, Malinin’s outfit included a pair of $1,300 jeans from French luxury brand Balmain.
Malinin’s outfit choice sparked a lot of reactions online.
“best olympic fits i have ever seen,” a comment on Instagram read.
“I hope they continue to push the boundaries on what's acceptable to wear while skating I think they skate with more freedom and joy than if they have to skate in the 'uniformity' of the sport,” another said.
“I love blending art I would love to see more fashion collaborations that would be beautiful,” suggested a user.
“With the NF hoodie 🔥🔥,” a reaction read.
“I thought they were cool and looked like ice on his jeans, made sense,” said another.
“If this ain’t aura farming at its peak Idk what is,” declared a fan.
Malinin may not have achieved his ultimate goal in the 2026 Olympics, but he certainly sent his message across.
Also, he’s coming home as an Olympic gold medalist, so there’s that, too.