Malinin meets Biles after Olympic heartbreakImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Simone Biles (right) was in the crowd to watch Ilia Malinin compete in the men’s figure skating final in MilanByEmma SmithBBC Sport journalist in MilanPublished33 minutes agoMultiple Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles says she offered support to American figure skater Ilia Malinin after her compatriot’s shock collapse at Milan-Cortina 2026.Malinin was the clear favourite for gold in the men’s figure skating but endured a horrendous free skate where he fell twice and failed to perform his trademark quadruple axel.
The 21-year-old was visibly distressed after his performance, which saw him fall from first after the short program to eighth in the final standings.
Afterwards Malinin posted a cryptic message to social media, indicating he had struggled with the weight of expectation at the Winter Olympics.
“On the world’s biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside,” he wrote on Instagram, external. “Even your happiest memories can end up tainted by the noise.
“Vile online hatred attacks the mind and fear lures it into the darkness, no matter how hard you try to stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure.
“It all builds up as these moments flash before your eyes, resulting in an inevitable crash.”
