Ilia Malinin entered the 2026 Winter Olympics as a leading contender for the gold medal in men’s figure skating. However, his championship hopes were dashed following a disappointing free skate routine that resulted in two falls and other errors, leaving the 21-year-old American off the podium.

While many athletes succumb to the pressure of the moment, Malinin’s upcoming exhibition on February 21 will reflect on his journey through the struggles of mental pressure and what he referred to as an “inevitable crash.” View this post on Instagram

“On the world’s biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside,” said Malinin. “Even your happiest memories can end up tainted by the noise. Vile online hatred attacks the mind and fear lures it into the 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.”

Despite a strong start, where he topped the standings ahead of the free skate, Malinin’s mental hurdles hindered his ability to perform at the high level expected from the sport’s top male figure skater over the last three years. His hope is to channel these experiences in his performance for the concluding exhibition of the games.