Ilia Malinin's collapse: Olympics are a different kind of pressure - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Thuc Nhi Nguyen

February 14, 2026

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Ilia Malinin’s meltdown at the 2022 Figure Skating Championships in Milan highlights the immense pressure athletes face under the Olympic spotlight. Once seen as a rising star and favorite for gold, Malinin, known for his groundbreaking quadruple axel jump, struggled during his free skate after failing to land a key element. This incident underscores the challenges of performing under extreme scrutiny, as even the most skilled athletes can falter when their mental game falters. Malinin’s performance was heavily anticipated due to his history of success. At 17, he became the youngest skater to successfully land a quadruple axel in competition, earning him the nickname “the Quad God.” Despite not using this jump during the team event or short program, hopes were high that he would showcase it during the free skate as the crowning moment of his championship. However, his inability to execute under pressure led to a series of mistakes and ultimately an eighth-place finish—a stark contrast from expectations. The article draws parallels between Malinin’s experience and past athletes like Tara Lipinski and Nathan Chen, who also struggled with Olympic pressures but eventually bounced back. Lipinski, who won gold in 1998, explained that the intensity of the Games is unlike any training environment, making it difficult for even the most prepared skaters to perform at their best. Similarly, Chen, despite faltering in his debut in 2018, returned stronger and went on to win gold in Beijing, demonstrating resilience in the face of high-stakes competition. Malinin’s situation also raises questions about missed opportunities. He was not selected for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, despite being a contender, which he believes might have given him valuable experience under Olympic pressure. His composed response after his performance suggests self-awareness and growth, hinting at future potential in overcoming such challenges. This story matters because it humanizes athletes, revealing that success is not just about physical skill but also mental fortitude. It also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of high-stakes sports, where even the most prepared can stumble under intense pressure. For readers interested in sports psychology and the dynamics

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/14/2026