U.S. Figure Skater Ilia Malinin Makes Personal Admission After Winter Olympics Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 8:48 PM ET

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are officially over for United States figure skater Ilia Malinin. Unfortunately for the “Quad God,” his first trip to the Winter Games did not go according to plan.

Malinin was on cloud nine after his strong performance in the team event. He helped lead Team USA to a first-place finish, marking the 21-year-old’s first Olympic medal.

Malinin, however, could not handle the pressure in the individual competition. He crumbled under the bright lights, admitting that he let all the negative thoughts overcome him right before he took the ice. Malinin fell twice in his routine, resulting in a truly unexpected eighth-place finish.

Ilia Malinin of the United States of America competes in the men’s singles free program during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.© Amber Searls-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, just two days after the Winter Olympics closing ceremony, Malinin took to social media to share a deeply personal statement. The Fairfax, Virginia, native addressed his heartbreaking loss in the free skate.

“Everything that led up to this point felt like a waste, no purpose to continue, no faith in the world, no reason to trust myself,” he posted on Instagram. “I let FEAR in and it ruined me.

“Now, time to get back up and do it again. It’s done, finished, gone. New goals and challenges await. Somethings bigger and better. GIVE ME A REASON.”

Malinin admitted he struggled after his shocking performance in the individual competition. However, the figure skating star also said that he’s now back on his feet.

Malinin thanked everyone who stood by him. He also revealed his biggest takeaways from his experience.

“Met new people and learned many life lessons,” he continued. “1: One loss doesn’t change what you have already won. 2: You learn more from failure than success.

“I came in being one person and left with a changed mind. Nevertheless, I had my amazing moments and memories and did not leave empty handed.”

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Malinin is the two-time World Figure Skating champion. He fully intends to defend his title this March when the competition takes place in the Czech Republic. Malinin closed out his deeply personal post with a promise: “Next step, Redemption. See you in Prague.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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