After Figure Skating Blunder: Star Ilia Malinin Complains About 'Online Hate' - Ilia Malinin opens up about mental health after Olympic heartbreak and hints at 2026 return

American figure skater Ilia Malinin has spoken out about his mental health struggles after a disappointing performance at the Olympics. The 19-year-old, who had aimed to make history with a quadruple Axel, finished eighth in the men's singles event. His recent Instagram post also hinted at a possible return for the Olympic exhibition gala in 2026—an event that has never before been held at the Winter Games.

Malinin entered the free skate with plans to become the first skater to land a quadruple Axel in Olympic competition. But mid-air, he aborted the jump, altering his routine and affecting his final score. The decision left him in eighth place, far below his expectations.

After the event, he took to Instagram to address the backlash he faced online. He called out the 'vile hate' directed at him, admitting it had taken a toll on his mental state. His post also included a cryptic reference to February 21, 2026—the date of a proposed Olympic exhibition gala.

No official 'Ausstellungsshow' (exhibition show) has ever been part of the Winter Olympics. No athletes have participated in such an event, and no selection process exists. If Malinin does take part, it would mark a first for the Games.

Malinin's Olympic campaign ended with an eighth-place finish and an abandoned quadruple Axel. His public statement highlighted the mental strain of online criticism. Whether he competes in 2026's potential exhibition gala remains uncertain, as no such event has ever been confirmed.