MILAN — Eleven-time Olympic medalist and seven-time gold medalist Simone Biles was a notable presence at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on Friday night, where she watched the men’s singles figure skaters, including “Quad God” Ilia Malinin, as they vied for Olympic medals. Despite Malinin’s challenges during his free skate performance, where he ultimately placed eighth, Biles and her husband, Jonathan Owens, showed their support by applauding his efforts. To share the moment with her fans, Biles posted a video of Malinin’s performance on her Instagram account.
During a break in the event, Biles appeared on the arena’s big screen for an interview. When asked about the differences between the Winter and Summer Olympics, she humorously noted, “I think the difference is the weather and the temperature. I’m used to hot and this is very cool. So, I wish the athletes the absolute best and to stay chill.”
Reflecting on the similarities between figure skating and gymnastics, Biles acknowledged the challenges both sports face with their respective maneuvers. She expressed admiration for the skaters, saying, “I would never do it on ice, so I give them all the props. I am rooting for them, I’m praying for them and I’m just super exciting to cheer for them.”
Biles also commented on the “Kiss-and-Cry” section that both sports share, where athletes await their scores under the scrutiny of the cameras. She mentioned that while gymnasts are not particularly fond of it, they are accustomed to the practice, which originated in figure skating.
On Tuesday, Biles had taken to Instagram to share her excitement about her trip to Milan for the Games, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting fellow athletes.
The figure skating competition is ongoing, and Biles’ presence serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness and shared experiences between athletes in different sports, showcasing the spirit of the Olympic Games.