Ilia Malinin unplugged: The American reflects on his Winter Olympics 2026 – “Medals don’t really define who you are”
In a captivating interview with Olympics.com, figure skating star Ilia Malinin opened up about his experience at the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026 and the invaluable lessons he’s learned throughout the process. Malinin’s Olympic journey has been met with unprecedented support from various realms, including megastars like Simone Biles and Tom Brady.
“People are just really like, ‘Hey, that’s part of the Olympics: You go in; you have to experience it,'” Malinin shared. He acknowledges that success does not alter his identity as both an athlete and a person.
Entering the Olympics with a staggering record, winning 12 international events consecutively since November 2023, he ended up finishing eighth in the men’s singles event. Post-event, Malinin has immersed himself in the Olympic atmosphere, befriending fellow competitors like Cha Jun-hwan, Donovan Carrillo, and Piper Gilles.
“Hanging out with some of these other skaters is such a fun experience,” Malinin, 21, explained. He’s relishing this time as an Olympic fan while also exploring Milan, alongside making plans to catch a hockey game—his personal favorite.
Reflecting on his free skate, Malinin discussed feeling the weight of performing last after winning the short program. “I didn’t understand how much the pressure was going to get to me,” he admitted. He aimed to make history by executing the quad Axel—a feat no one had achieved on Olympic ice before.
While the jump did not land as intended, he fully embraced the experience. “When I finished, I was like, ‘There’s nothing else to do. It’s done,'” he shared, signaling his acceptance of both triumph and disappointment.
Moreover, Malinin emphasized mental health as a crucial topic for Olympians. “We’re also human beings,” he said with a knowing smile. His interactions with Biles have proven significant, highlighting a shared understanding of the pressure athletes face.
Malinin proudly showcased his team figure skating gold medal, a testament to his commitment and camaraderie with his U.S. teammates, particularly after narrowly defeating Japan by one point. “Sharing that with them is so meaningful,” he stated with evident pride.
Looking ahead, Malinin noted, “Medals don’t really define who you are.” He’s focused on enjoying the journey more than the accolades, aiming to approach future competitions like the 2030 Olympics with renewed perspective and passion, driven by love for the sport rather than the pressure of winning.
