Ilia Malinin Delivers Cathartic Performance at Olympic Figure Skating Gala
American figure skater Ilia Malinin transformed disappointment into triumph during the traditional exhibition gala at the Winter Olympics in Milan, performing a symbolic routine that culminated in his signature backflip. The 21-year-old, who had been favored to win men's gold but failed to medal in individual competition, received a rousing reception from the crowd as he batted away imaginary noise representing social media criticism.
Redemption on Olympic Ice
Malinin skated to Fear by American rapper NF, a routine he had previewed earlier in the week with references to the "inevitable crash" that comes with pressure. After helping the United States secure team gold, Malinin struggled mightily in his free skate last Friday, later acknowledging that weighty expectations had caused him to buckle. The exhibition gala provided an opportunity to replace those disappointing memories with a celebratory performance that showcased his athleticism and resilience.
More than forty Olympic figure skaters participated in Saturday night's event, which traditionally wraps up the competition program while celebrating the entire sport. The gala serves as both conclusion and celebration, allowing athletes to perform without competitive pressure.
Alysa Liu's Joyful Return
Fellow American Alysa Liu also took the ice, performing a joyful routine to Stateside by Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress. The 20-year-old Californian completed a remarkable comeback story, having walked away from skating after the 2022 Beijing Games due to burnout before returning to win both team and individual gold medals in Milan. For Liu, the gala offered one more opportunity to cherish skating on Olympic ice where she had secured her historic victories.
Gold Medalists Close the Show
As tradition dictates, gold medalists performed last in the program. Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov, who won men's individual gold, entertained the audience with a light-hearted routine dressed as Kung-Fu Panda. The unconventional performance showcased the exhibition's celebratory spirit, contrasting with the intense competition of previous days.
American Amber Glenn, who helped defend the US team gold medal, performed to That's Life by Lady Gaga. The three-time national champion had bounced back from a major mistake in her short program that cost her an individual medal, instead delivering one of the best free skates of her career during competition.
Artistic Opening and Symbolic Themes
The gala opened with former Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner, bronze medalist at the 2014 Winter Games, performing a duet with a 3D projection. The artistic piece traced the journey of athletes from their first steps in sport to the moment "talent finds its home, merging with the skater." This thematic exploration of athletic development set the tone for an evening that celebrated both achievement and perseverance across the figure skating community.
The exhibition gala in Milan ultimately served as a powerful reminder that Olympic competition encompasses both triumph and disappointment, with Saturday's performances allowing athletes to express themselves beyond scores and rankings. For Malinin particularly, the backflip that concluded his routine symbolized not just athletic excellence but personal redemption on the world's biggest skating stage.
