© James Lang/Imagn
Entering the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, there were fewer bigger stars for Team USA than men’s figure skater Ilia Malinin. Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, his dreams turned into a nightmare on Friday evening.
Mailinin, dubbed the “Quad God” for his ability to incorporate several quadruple jumps into his routines, is the two-time reigning world champion and helped the United States to team gold by winning the men’s free skate portion of his competition.
After finishing the short program portion of the men’s individual competition in first place, many believed it was a forgone conclusion that Malinin would win individual gold.
However, when it came time for his free skate, Malinin didn’t just falter; he crumbled. In a sight that was almost painful to watch, Malinin fell several times throughout the run and finished all the way down in 15th for his free skate routine, and eighth overall.
Fans Can’t Believe Ilia Malinin’s Collapse At 2026 Winter Olympics
Fans on social media were stunned.
I didn’t even know who ilia malinin was a week ago and my heart just broke for him
— Lady Nimby (@LadyNimby) February 13, 2026
My heart just goes out to Ilia Malinin. One of the most shocking Olympic moments. As a parent, you’re watching a 21 year old kid on top of the world experiencing the lowest of lonely lows in real time. You just want to hug him. It’s just excruciating.
— Matt Maisel (@Matt_Maisel) February 13, 2026
I don’t even know Ilia Malinin, and I am also in my 20s so it makes zero sense, but to me he is just a baby and my heart broke seeing him upset 😭
— Olivia Gerling (@oliviagerling) February 13, 2026
Those in the figure skating world compared the moment to that of fellow American Nathan Chen, who entered the 2018 Winter Olympics as the favorite in men’s figure skating and also failed to podium.
ok who wished ilia a 2018 nathan chen olympics
— emma 🌠 (@loonakais) February 13, 2026
my biggest fear for Ilia Malinin was that he would have his own ~Nathan Chen 2018~ experience…unfortunately that has come true…
— Jen’s Office Hours (@Thats_So_Jen) February 13, 2026
Four years later, Chen rebounded to claim gold in the same event in Beijing. Here’s hoping that Malinin can return and do the same thing in 2030 in France.