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MILAN – Ilia Malinin, the American figure skater dubbed the “Quad God,” delivered a powerfully emotional performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics exhibition gala Saturday night, skating to NF’s song “Fear.” The routine served as a poignant response to his disappointing eighth-place finish in the individual event, a result that dashed hopes for a gold medal after a strong showing in the team competition. The gala offered Malinin a chance to redefine his narrative at the Milan Cortina Games and he seized it with a raw and vulnerable display of artistry.
The exhibition gala, a tradition that follows the conclusion of the competitive figure skating program, allows athletes to showcase their creativity and personality without the pressure of judging. For Malinin, it became a platform to address the weight of expectations and the mental struggles that contributed to his free skate struggles last Friday. His performance resonated with audiences, offering a glimpse behind the athletic facade and into the human experience of dealing with pressure and disappointment.
Malinin’s routine, previewed on social media earlier in the week, directly referenced the “inevitable crash” that can occur under intense pressure, according to reporting from Sporting News. Dressed in a grey hoodie and frayed jeans, he mimicked the experience of navigating social media scrutiny, pretending to scroll through his phone, flinching under imaginary flashbulbs, and shielding himself from perceived criticism. Despite the emotional weight of the performance, Malinin showcased his technical prowess, landing a quadruple jump and his signature backflip with a one-footed landing, eliciting a roaring response from the crowd.
The gala also provided a triumphant moment for Alysa Liu, who skated last, capping off a remarkable comeback story. Liu, who had previously stepped away from the sport due to burnout after the 2022 Beijing Games, returned to win both team and individual gold at the 2026 Olympics. She performed a joyful routine to “Stateside” by Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress, celebrating her renewed passion for skating, as reported by USA Today.
A Night of Redemption and Celebration
The exhibition gala wasn’t solely about overcoming adversity. It was also a celebration of the sport’s brightest stars. Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov, the men’s individual gold medalist, brought a lighthearted energy to the ice with a routine performed in a Kung-Fu Panda costume. Former Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner, a 2014 Winter Games bronze medalist, opened the gala with a duet featuring a 3D projection illustrating the journey of an athlete, from their first steps to achieving peak performance.
Amber Glenn, a member of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Team, also delivered a memorable performance to Lady Gaga’s “That’s Life.” The song’s lyrics resonated with Glenn’s own journey, as she rebounded from a mistake in her short program to deliver a strong free skate, according to Sports Illustrated.
Malinin’s Performance: A Deeper Dive
Malinin’s choice of “Fear” by NF was particularly striking. The song delves into themes of mental health struggles and the feeling of losing control – emotions that clearly resonated with the skater following his disappointing free skate. The performance wasn’t about technical perfection; it was about vulnerability and connection. The final moments, where Malinin pretended to put on headphones to silence the world, were particularly powerful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The 21-year-old’s ability to translate his personal struggles into a compelling artistic statement underscored his maturity and resilience. While the individual gold medal eluded him, Malinin demonstrated that his impact on the sport extends beyond podium finishes. He reminded the crowd why he is considered a revolutionary force in men’s figure skating, even in moments of vulnerability.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Winter Olympics figure skating competition has concluded, but the stories of these athletes will continue to unfold. For Liu, the focus will be on sustaining her momentum and continuing to inspire fans with her joyful approach to the sport. For Malinin, the gala performance offered a cathartic release and a chance to redefine his Olympic experience. The question now is how he will channel this experience as he looks toward future competitions and the 2030 Winter Games.
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