simone biles and Ilia Malinin: Spotlight on Olympic Pressure as Malinin Admits He Was Not 'Ready to Handle' It

Ilia Malinin acknowledged Tuesday that the weight of Olympic expectations got to him, offering his most extensive public comments since a surprising result in the men's individual figure skating final at the Milano Cortina Games. The 21-year-old said the pressure of the moment left him unprepared, a sentiment that has reverberated through his campus community and the sport.

How pressure shaped a day on the ice

Malinin entered the Olympics as a heavy favorite after a season of dominant performances. He told reporters he felt confident heading into the free skate, but once he stepped on the ice the atmosphere shifted. "Honestly, it’s not a pleasant feeling. The most honest way to say it is it’s just a lot on you, just so many eyes, so much attention, " he said, adding that the experience can overwhelm an athlete who isn’t fully prepared for it.

The free skate in Milan produced a dramatic contrast with his earlier season numbers. Malinin posted a free skate score of 156. 33 at the Games — far below the marks he posted in four competitions earlier in the 2025-26 season, where his free skate totals included 209. 78, 238. 24, 228. 97 and 215. 78. He also delivered a 200. 03 free skate in the team event, helping his national squad secure gold earlier in the Games.

Malinin described the result as painful but instructive: "Of course, it didn’t go the way I wanted it to. All I have to do is just learn from my mistakes there and push to see how I can improve in the future. " He suggested the experience will change how he prepares for future Games and high-pressure moments.

Campus support and the next steps

Back home, students and faculty gathered in support of the skater associated with their campus, expressing disappointment at the outcome but confidence in his future. One longtime follower, Kiersten Strassburg, a junior, emphasized perspective: "He’s only 21, and he’s still in college. He still has his whole career ahead of him. It was disappointing, but I’m not disappointed in him. " Another student, Cassie Baker, summarized the mood simply: "Our hearts hurt for him. " A graduate student, Kat Hines, noted the pride the community felt at having an Olympian among them.

While the individual podium eluded Malinin, he will return from Milan with an Olympic gold medal from the team event. He also has one more scheduled appearance at the Games: the closing exhibition gala on Saturday, Feb. 21 (ET), which will give him a final skate before returning to competition preparations.

Looking ahead, Malinin plans to compete at the world championships in Prague next month, where he has been a reigning champion. He framed his setback in Milan as a learning moment, saying he can take a different approach in training and mental preparation as he aims to rebound on the world stage.

What this means for elite athletes

Malinin’s candid assessment highlights how Olympic competition can amplify pressure even for athletes who have repeatedly succeeded on the international circuit. At 21, he has already transformed elements of the sport with a technical arsenal that includes historic jumps, and teammates and fans emphasize that a single result does not define a career. For now, Malinin’s path forward centers on recovery, recalibration and using the experience to strengthen both his physical preparation and his readiness for the glare of the biggest stages.