Ilia Malinin Channels Olympic Setback Into An Unfiltered Ice Confession That Leaves Milan Reeling
Alysa Liu was given one more moment to savor the same Olympic ice where she captured two gold medals. For Ilia Malinin, the night offered something different — a chance to rewrite difficult memories and leave the arena with a sense of release.
The two Americans were part of a 40-plus skater lineup at Saturday night’s traditional exhibition gala, a celebratory finale designed not for medals or scores, but to honor the athletes and the sport itself.
Malinin chose to skate to “Fear” by American rapper NF, previewing the routine earlier in the week on social media while reflecting on the “inevitable crash” that can follow intense expectations and relentless scrutiny.
Alysa Liu let go of the weight she had carried, rediscovered her joy and transformed it into Olympic gold
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The 21-year-old Malinin had already contributed to Team USA’s gold in the team event and entered the men’s competition as the overwhelming favorite after a commanding short program. But a difficult free skate last Friday saw him fall out of medal contention entirely, a result he later admitted was shaped by the crushing expectations surrounding him.
“Fear” is an unfiltered reflection on mental health and the sensation of spiraling under pressure. On Saturday, Malinin performed in a grey hoodie and distressed jeans, miming scrolling through his phone as if absorbing online commentary. He recoiled from imaginary camera flashes, crouched low, pulled his hood tight and brushed away intrusive sounds meant to echo social media criticism.
Yet amid the theatrics, his athletic brilliance was undeniable. He executed a soaring quadruple jump before launching into his signature backflip, landing on one foot to a thunderous ovation. The roar from the crowd felt like more than admiration for technical skill — it carried recognition of the emotional burden he had portrayed. In the closing seconds, he mimed slipping on headphones, and the arena fell instantly quiet.
Mikhail Shaidorov performed an unusual routine dressed as Kung-Fu Panda. Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
In keeping with tradition, the gold medalists closed the evening. Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov, champion of the men’s event, delivered a playful performance in a Kung-Fu Panda costume, bringing humor and levity to the gala atmosphere.
Liu had the final spotlight. The 20-year-old Californian, who had stepped away from skating after the 2022 Beijing Games due to burnout, completed an extraordinary comeback by claiming both team and individual gold. On Saturday night, she embraced the moment with a buoyant routine to “Stateside” by Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress.
Alysa Liu followed up her gold medal with an upbeat routine on Saturday. Photograph: Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images
The evening opened with former Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner, the 2014 Olympic bronze medalist, who performed alongside a 3D projection illustrating an athlete’s journey — from tentative first steps on the ice to the moment talent and identity fully merge, allowing skaters to draw out their very best.
Amber Glenn, instrumental in helping the United States defend its Olympic team title, skated to “That’s Life” by Lady Gaga. The song’s message mirrored her own week: after a costly error in the short program ended her individual medal hopes, she rebounded with one of the strongest free skates of her career, restoring pride and momentum.
