Ilia Malinin talks crippling anxiety that cost him an Olympic medal - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Thuc Nhi Nguyen

February 13, 2026

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Ilia Malinin, a favorite for gold in the men’s figure skating at the Winter Olympics, struggled under immense pressure and anxiety during his free skate performance in Milan. Despite landing historic quad jumps earlier in the competition, Malinin faltered Friday, making mistakes that dropped him from first to eighth place. His emotional breakdown on the ice highlighted the overwhelming mental toll of competing at the highest level. While he had contributed to a team gold medal for the United States earlier in the event, Malinin’s poor performance left him devastated and questioning his approach. Malinin explained that the Olympic stage brought unprecedented pressure, leading to “negative thoughts” and a loss of control during his routine. He admitted to feeling mentally drained, which affected his ability to execute even the most basic elements of his skate. His technical skills were no match for the emotional and psychological challenges he faced. Meanwhile, other skaters like Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov capitalized on Malinin’s struggles, claiming gold—a historic achievement for his country. Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama secured silver, while bronze went to Shun Sato, who was visibly moved by the moment. Malinin’s story is significant because it sheds light on the mental health challenges athletes face in high-stakes environments. His vulnerability and openness about his struggles humanize him and underscore the importance of addressing mental wellness in sports. While Malinin may have been seen as invincible due to his technical prowess, his experience highlights that even the most skilled competitors are not immune to the pressures of elite-level competition. For readers interested in news about sports and mental health, Malinin’s story offers a rare glimpse into the emotional battles athletes face behind their seemingly flawless performances. It also raises questions about how organizations can better support athletes’ mental well-being during major events like the Olympics. As figure skating enthusiasts and news followers alike, understanding these challenges helps us appreciate both the

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/13/2026