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Team USA figure skating star Ilia Malinin offered a reminder to critics of Olympic athletes competing in the Milan Cortina Games on Monday.
Malinin finished eighth in the men’s singles competition on Friday after two falls in what was expected to be his event to lose. In a post on his Instagram, Malinin raised awareness of the mental strain of elite competition.
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Ilia Malinin of the United States competes during the men’s free skate program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
“On the world’s biggest stage, those who appear strongest can still fight invisible battles on the inside,” he wrote in the post. “Even your happiest memories can end up being tarnished by the noise. Worn online hatred assaults the mind and fear lures it into darkness, no matter how hard you try to stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure.
“It all builds up as these moments flash before your eyes, resulting in an inevitable crash. This is that version of the story.”
Malinin teased her upcoming appearance at the traditional exhibition gala that concludes the Olympic figure skating program. The event will take place on February 21.
Ilia Malinin of the United States reacts after competing as Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan is seen, left, as he awaits results during the men’s free skate program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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Malinin, who won gold in the team event, acknowledged the pressure he felt going into the free skate portion of the event.
“I didn’t really know how to handle it,” he said Friday.
He is expected to compete for his third consecutive world title in Prague next month. He had gone undefeated in 14 events over more than two years and was nicknamed the “Quad God”, for his near-impossible moves on the ice.
The 21-year-old was hailed for his graciousness in defeat.
“The nerves just went, so overwhelming,” he said, “and especially when I went into that starting position, I just felt like all the traumatic moments in my life really just started flooding my head. So many negative thoughts pouring in there and I couldn’t handle it.”
Ilia Malinin of the United States falls during the men’s free skate program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
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“All I know is it wasn’t my best skate, and it was definitely something I didn’t expect. And it’s done, so I can’t go back and change it, even though I’d love to.”
