From Setback To Standing Ovation: Ilia Malinin’s Reaction Became an Olympic Highlight
The Winter Olympic Games have delivered some of the highest highs — and lowest lows — of Ilia Malinin’s career.
He opened the Games on top of the world, with “Quad God” ads looping everywhere as he helped carry Team USA past Japan to secure victory in the figure skating team event, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s most electrifying talents.
Just days later, however, the mood shifted dramatically. In Milan, he found himself staring up at the arena lights after a difficult free skate in the men’s individual event, slipping from a commanding first place to an eighth-place finish in a matter of minutes.
Yet through the disappointment and the scrutiny that followed, Malinin remained present — not retreating, but showing up consistently for his teammates.
He supported Team USA through the pairs event, stood by during the women’s short program, and was in the stands Thursday night when Alysa Liu delivered the defining performance of her career to capture Olympic gold.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: U.S. Olympian Ilia Malinin poses for a photo during Managing Victory at Winter House on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy
Liu entered the women’s final sitting in third place, viewed by many as a contender but not the favorite. Within a single hour — fueled by pristine technical execution and expressive artistry — she transformed from outsider to Olympic champion.
Olympic broadcast cameras captured Malinin in an unguarded moment as he reacted to Liu’s skate — already on his feet, applauding and shouting in support of his close friend.
Beaming with pride, Malinin celebrated as Liu secured Team USA’s first individual women’s figure skating gold medal in more than two decades.
io 🤝 Ilia Malinin dopo l’esibizione di Alysa Liu #milanocortina2026 pic.twitter.com/1BXitYsprI
— ghita🌷 (@Maghi_98) February 19, 2026
Although his competitive events in Italy have concluded, Malinin’s Olympic journey isn’t entirely finished. Alongside his fellow American skaters, he is set to appear at Saturday’s Olympic Exhibition Gala — the traditional farewell performance where athletes thank the crowd that has supported them throughout the Games.
