Olympic Athletes Like Ilia Malinin Conquer ‘the Yips’ to Emerge Stronger
Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old figure skater, faced significant challenges during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Known as the “Quad God,” Malinin experienced repeated falls in the men’s free skate program, finishing in eighth place. His performance underscored a painful reality that many top athletes encounter: the mental hurdles known as “the yips.”
The Yips and Their Impact on Athletes
The term “the yips” refers to sudden lapses in performance, often accompanied by feelings of shock and despair. Dr. Sahen Gupta, a sports performance psychologist, compares such moments to grief. Athletes have invested years in training, making the pressure to perform in the Olympics exceptionally high.
- Ilia Malinin faced the yips during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Past Olympic greats like Simone Biles and Nathan Chen have also experienced similar struggles.
Psyche of Olympic Athletes
According to sports psychologists, the intense public scrutiny surrounding the Olympics amplifies the pressure on athletes. Tracey Devonport, a psychologist at Hartpury University, notes how media attention can exacerbate performance anxiety. For instance, Nathan Chen was labeled the “Ice Prince” before the 2018 Olympics, only to falter during his event.
Chen empathized with Malinin, acknowledging the gut-wrenching nature of stumbling in front of a live audience. The immense stakes and high expectations create an “acute stress environment,” making successful performances challenging.
Building Mental Resilience
To combat these adversities, many athletes employ mental preparation techniques. Practices like meditation and therapy enable them to cope with the pressure. The goal is to strike a balance between being too relaxed and overly anxious. Proper mental conditioning can be the key to success.
- Simone Biles withdrew from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to the twisties.
- Mikaela Shiffrin struggled in the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.
Despite their setbacks, athletes often rebound. Following their challenges, Biles and Chen emerged victorious in subsequent competitions. Biles claimed multiple medals in Paris in 2024, while Chen won gold in Beijing 2022.
Support and Recovery
Post-performance counseling plays a crucial role in healing. Dr. Carla Meijen emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment for athletes, regardless of public opinion. A solid support system can facilitate recovery from performance declines, allowing athletes to regroup and recalibrate.
After the 2026 Games, Malinin expressed a commitment to learning from his experiences. He stated that it’s essential to process what happened and plot a path forward for future competitions.
Conclusion
While the journey of overcoming the yips is fraught with difficulties, it often leads to personal growth. Many athletes find strength in their struggles, turning failures into future successes. As seen with Malinin and his predecessors, the road to redemption is paved with challenges but can also lead to triumphant returns.
