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Team USA figure skating star Ilia Malinin on Monday reminded critics of Olympic athletes competing in the Milan Cortina Games.
Malinin finished in eighth place 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 toll of elite competition.
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Ilia Malinin of the United States competes in the men’s free skate program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, February 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
“On the world’s biggest stage, those who appear strongest may still be fighting invisible battles inside,” he wrote in his message. “Even your happiest memories can end up being tainted by noise. Vile hatred online attacks the mind and fear draws it into darkness, no matter how hard you try to stay sane amid the endless insurmountable pressure.
“It all builds up as these moments pass before your eyes, leading to an inevitable crash. It’s this version of the story.”
Malinin announced his next performance during the traditional exhibition gala which closes the Olympic figure skating program. The event will take place on February 21.
Ilia Malinin of the United States reacts after competition while Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan is seen at left waiting for scores during the men’s free skating program in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, February 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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Malinin, who won gold in the team event, acknowledged the pressure he felt heading into the free skating 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 was undefeated in 14 events in more than two years and earned the nickname “Quad God” for his near-impossible moves on the ice.
The 21-year-old was praised for his kindness in defeat.
“The nerves became so overwhelming,” he said, “and especially getting into that starting pose, it just felt like all the traumatic moments in my life were really starting to flood into my head. So many negative thoughts were flooding in there and I couldn’t handle them.”
Ilia Malinin of the United States falls during the men’s figure skating free program at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, February 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
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“All I know is that 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 would love to.”
