Milan, Italy – The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games concluded its figure skating program with a celebratory exhibition gala on Saturday, February 21st, featuring over 40 skaters who competed throughout the Games. The event, successfully delivered by AWE Sport, a sports marketing agency specializing in major sport entertainment and presentation projects, provided a relaxed and joyful atmosphere for athletes and fans alike, marking a fitting conclude to the figure skating competition.
The gala, held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, offered a departure from the pressure of competition, allowing skaters to showcase their artistry and skill in a more informal setting. This year’s exhibition was structured into four distinct segments, providing a varied and engaging experience for the audience. The event highlighted the spirit of the sport and celebrated the dedication of the athletes who participated in the Milano Cortina Games. The focus was on fun and camaraderie, a welcome change after the intensity of the Olympic contests.
American Stars Shine in Exhibition
Team USA was well-represented at the gala, with Alysa Liu and Ilia Malinin among the featured performers. For Liu, the gala provided an opportunity to skate on the Olympic ice once again, having already secured two gold medals during the Games. Malinin, meanwhile, used the exhibition as a chance to put recent disappointments behind him and deliver a memorable performance. Both skaters, along with Amber Glenn, captivated the audience with their routines.
Team USA performs during the figure skating exhibition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (Ashley Landis – AP)
Kostner Leads Opening Act
The gala commenced with a performance by former Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner, a bronze medalist at the 2014 Winter Games. Kostner’s appearance served as a tribute to her legacy and a warm welcome to the exhibition. Her performance set a celebratory tone for the evening, honoring both her past achievements and the future of the sport. The opening act was designed to acknowledge the rich history of figure skating in Italy and its continued contribution to the global stage.
Ilia Malinin’s performance at the gala also garnered significant attention, with many expressing their admiration on social media. One Instagram user noted they were “still in awe of Ilia Malinin’s performance at the Winter Olympics ice skating event in Milan today” (Instagram). Further highlighting the emotional impact of his skate, a Facebook post described how Malinin “unloaded everything he’d been carrying” during his routine, set to “Fear” by NF (Facebook).
A Celebration of the Sport
The exhibition gala at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics wasn’t just about showcasing individual talent; it was a celebration of the entire sport of figure skating. The event provided a platform for athletes to connect with fans and share their passion for the discipline. With over 40 skaters participating, the gala represented a diverse range of nationalities and skating styles, highlighting the global appeal of the sport. The atmosphere inside the Milano Ice Skating Arena was described as festive, emphasizing the joy and camaraderie among the competitors.
AWE Sport’s successful delivery of the gala underscores its expertise in creating memorable sporting events. The agency’s work in designing and producing major sport entertainment and presentation projects was evident in the seamless execution and captivating atmosphere of the exhibition. The event served as a fitting conclusion to the figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics (SportBusiness).
As the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics draw to a close, the figure skating exhibition gala leaves a lasting impression of artistry, athleticism, and sportsmanship. The event’s success sets a high standard for future Olympic exhibitions, and the memories created will undoubtedly inspire skaters and fans for years to arrive. The focus now shifts to preparations for the next Winter Games, with anticipation building for the next generation of figure skating stars.
What were your favorite moments from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow figure skating enthusiasts!
