Ilia Malinin Looks to Bounce Back at World Championships After Olympic Disappointment

The rising American figure skater will compete at the upcoming World Championships after an 8th place finish at the Winter Olympics.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Ilia Malinin, the 21-year-old American figure skater, had a mixed experience at the recent Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Despite leading the short program and helping Team USA win gold in the team event with a near-flawless backflip, Malinin faltered in the individual free skate, finishing 8th overall. Undeterred, Malinin will now shift his focus to the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, where he aims to make up for his Olympic disappointment and continue his streak of success at the event.

Why it matters

Malinin was considered a favorite to win Olympic gold in the men's singles figure skating event, so his 8th place finish was a surprise. However, the young skater has proven his mettle in recent years, winning multiple national titles and Grand Prix events. His performance at the World Championships will be closely watched as he looks to bounce back from the Olympic letdown and cement his status as one of the sport's rising stars.

The details

After leading the short program at the Winter Olympics, Malinin struggled in the free skate, under-rotating several crucial jumps, including his trademark quad axel. Those mistakes dropped him to 15th in the free skate and 8th overall. Despite the disappointment, Malinin's standout performance in the team event, highlighted by a near-flawless backflip that helped clinch gold for Team USA, shows his immense talent and potential. Now, the 21-year-old will look to make up for his Olympic shortcomings at the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships in Prague next month, where he has won a bronze medal and two gold medals in the last three editions.

  • Malinin will participate in an exhibition gala on Feb. 21, featuring Winter Olympic champions.
  • The World Figure Skating Championships are scheduled to be held in Prague next month.

The players

Ilia Malinin

A 21-year-old American figure skater who was considered a favorite to win Olympic gold in the men's singles event, but finished 8th overall after struggling in the free skate.

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What’s next

Malinin will aim to make it three World Championship titles in a row when he competes in Prague next month.

The takeaway

Ilia Malinin's Olympic disappointment has only fueled his determination to bounce back and cement his status as one of figure skating's rising stars. His performance at the upcoming World Championships will be closely watched as he looks to regain his winning form and make up for the missed opportunity in Milan-Cortina.