Figure skating-Malinin says Olympic pressure led to 'inevitable crash'

Advertisement Sport Figure skating-Malinin says Olympic pressure led to 'inevitable crash' Feb 13, 2026; Milan, Italy; Ilia Malinin of the United States of America reacts after competing in the men’s singles free program during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics - Figure Skating - Men Single Skating - Free Skating - Milano Ice Skating Arena, Milan, Italy - February 13, 2026. Ilia Malinin of United States falls during the Free Skating REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli Feb 13, 2026; Milan, Italy; Ilia Malinin of the United States of America competes in the men’s singles free program during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images 16 Feb 2026 11:10PM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST MILAN, Feb 16 : Ilia Malinin on Monday said his pressure-packed Olympic debut resulted in an "inevitable crash" and suggested he would release more details about his experience on Saturday, when he will reportedly participate in a skating exhibition in Milan. The 21-year-old American figure skater came into the Milano Cortina Games surrounded by huge hype as the heavy favourite to win gold in the men's event. That dream unravelled in spectacular fashion when he fell twice and struggled with his other jumps to finish a shocking eighth in one of the greatest upsets in Olympic figure skating history.The two-time world champion posted a video on social media on Monday showing his happiest moments in competition set to gentle piano music interspersed with jarring cuts to a black-and-white shot of him with his head in his hands. Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day. This service is not intended for persons residing in the E.U. By clicking subscribe, I agree to receive news updates and promotional material from Mediacorp and Mediacorp’s partners. Loading Malinin revealed he had been subjected to abuse online, writing: "On the world's biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside. "Even your happiest memories can end up tainted by the noise. Vile online hatred attacks the mind and fear lures it into the darkness, no matter how hard you try to stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure," he wrote. "It all builds up as these moments flash before your eyes, resulting in an inevitable crash. This is that version of the story."Coming February 21, 2026."USA Today on Monday reported that Malinin would take part in Saturday's gala. For two years, the American "Quad God" had seemed unstoppable, owning a two-plus-year unbeaten streak and seemingly stepping on to the ice as one of the biggest certainties for Olympic gold the sport had seen in decades, but it was not to be. Despite his disastrous performance in Friday's free skate, he played a key role in the U.S. winning team gold earlier in the Milano Cortina Games, and his dominance has drawn new fans to the sport. Malinin was in the stands of the Milano Ice Skating Arena on Sunday for the first day of the Olympic figure skating pairs competition, taking in the action alongside Mexican figure skater Donovan Carrillo and Canadian ice dancer Piper Gilles. He will defend his title at next month's world championships in Prague, according to the NBC broadcast. Source: Reuters Newsletter Recommended Read Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day. Sign up for our newsletters Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox Subscribe here Get the CNA app Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories Download here Get WhatsApp alerts Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app Join here Advertisement Also worth reading Content is loading... Advertisement Expand to read the full story Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST