Ilia Malinin Addresses 'Vile Online Hatred' and 'Insurmountable Pressure' After Olympic Struggles

The 21-year-old figure skater teases an upcoming event after his disappointing performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ilia Malinin, the 21-year-old American figure skater, opened up about dealing with 'vile online hatred' and 'insurmountable pressure' in an Instagram post following his struggles at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Malinin, who was favored to win gold, finished eighth overall after falling twice during his free skate program. In his post, he teased an upcoming event on February 21, 2026, which is likely the Olympic figure skating exhibition gala.

Why it matters

Malinin's candid post sheds light on the immense mental and emotional challenges elite athletes face, especially on the world's biggest stage. His openness about the 'invisible battles' he's fighting could help destigmatize discussions around the pressures of high-level competition.

The details

Malinin shocked the figure skating world with two falls and several missed elements during his free skate program at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He had entered the competition as the favorite after winning gold at the 2024 World Championships and going undefeated for the last two and a half years. However, the 'insurmountable pressure' of the Olympics seemed to overwhelm him, and he finished eighth overall.

  • Malinin posted about his struggles on February 16, 2026, four days after his disappointing performance at the Olympics.
  • The upcoming event he teased is scheduled for February 21, 2026, which is likely the Olympic figure skating exhibition gala.

The players

Ilia Malinin

A 21-year-old American figure skater who was favored to win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics but struggled with two falls and several missed elements in his free skate program, ultimately finishing eighth overall.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ilia Malinin (Instagram)

“Honestly, that was the first thing that came to my mind. I have no words, honestly.”

— Ilia Malinin (NBC)

“It's not like any other competition. It's the Olympics, and I think people only realize the pressure in the nerves that actually happen from the inside, so it was really just something that overwhelmed me and I just felt like I had no control.”

— Ilia Malinin (PEOPLE)

What’s next

Malinin plans to perform in the Olympic figure skating exhibition gala on February 21, 2026, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and move past his struggles at the main competition.

The takeaway

Malinin's candid post about the 'vile online hatred' and 'insurmountable pressure' he faced at the Olympics highlights the immense mental and emotional challenges that elite athletes can experience, even at the peak of their careers. His openness could help destigmatize discussions around the pressures of high-level competition and inspire others to prioritize their mental health.