MILAN — Ilia Malinin returned to the Olympic ice, channeling both his triumphs and trials as he skated in the figure skating gala on Saturday night. Unlike his previous performances that were filled with competition anxiety, this event was free from the pressure of medals. Malinin performed to the poignant song “Fear” by NF, which resonated with his emotional state, posing the question repeated throughout the anthem: “Is this what you wanted?”
This skate offered Malinin a chance to express himself following his earlier struggles during the individual free skate program on February 13, where he dramatically fell from gold medal potential to an eighth-place finish, failing to land jumps he usually executes flawlessly. The pressure of the Milan Cortina Olympics, with its heightened expectations, weighed heavily on him.
Malinin shared that the experience leading up to these Olympics was overwhelming, filled with external pressures and self-doubt. “This message and this program or song really spoke to me and represented how I’ve been feeling for the last year,” he revealed. His recent thoughts have leaned towards promoting mental health and coping strategies, which he subtly introduced during his performance.
Choreographed months prior by Randi Strong, Malinin’s exhibition portrayed the journey of a young man consumed by the clamor of expectations. The performance showcased him succumbing to that noise before rising again, a metaphor for personal resilience. This theme resonated deeply with Malinin, especially after his disappointing free skate.
Reflecting on his experiences, Malinin expressed profound personal growth. He noted that he has transformed through these Olympics, stating that the person who arrived in Milan is now “dust.” He emphasized that the most important takeaway from this journey is learning to get back up and persevere, regardless of outcomes. He concluded with a reminder that success in figure skating doesn’t define one’s character or contributions to the world.
At these Games, Malinin played a pivotal role in helping the U.S. secure the team gold medal and began his journey on a high note by establishing a commanding lead in the short program. His performance during the gala not only highlighted his artistic growth but also served as a powerful statement on resilience, making the evening a poignant reminder of the impact of mental health awareness in the demanding world of competitive sports. Malinin’s story continues to inspire, offering hope in the face of adversity and exemplifying that true character transcends accolades.