The 2024 Milan skating event was supposed to be a highlight for Ilia Malinin, but it turned into a learning moment instead. After his free‑skate mishap, he was caught on a hot mic saying he would have performed better if he had been at the 2022 Beijing Games. He later clarified that more experience would have helped him handle the Olympic atmosphere.

Despite the rough start, Malinin showed ownership of his mistakes. He quickly moved to support fellow competitor Mikhail Shaidorov, who had just won gold after a shaky night for many skaters. The two 21‑year‑olds shared a respectful handshake and brief conversation, showing that even in defeat, sportsmanship can shine.

In post‑competition interviews, Malinin admitted feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and negative thoughts. He said the pressure was too much to manage on that night, which explains why his usual high level of performance fell short. His short program had been strong enough to keep him in the lead, but the free‑skate errors cost him a top spot.

Malinin’s fall is not the end of his story. He has dominated men’s figure skating for two years and still has a chance to rebuild his confidence. The “Quad God” nickname may be on pause, but the athlete himself remains determined to return stronger.

The Milan incident is a starting point for Malinin’s comeback. He has learned that handling nerves and learning from each stumble are key to his future success.

Ilia Malinin’s Big Slip‑Ups and a New Start

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