Ilia Malinin shared how meaningful it was to hear words of support from Simone Biles after she reached out to him following his Olympic heartbreak. The 21-year-old had been a favorite for the men’s individual gold, but multiple errors in his free skate program placed him eighth, ending his medal hopes emotionally.
Malinin, a self-proclaimed ‘Quad God,’ began his 2026 Olympic campaign on a strong note, helping Team USA win the gold.
Ilia Malinin Addresses Receiving Words of Support from Simone Biles
Biles, the most decorated US gymnast with seven gold medals in her wall of fame, understands the Olympic pressure better than anyone. She was present at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, watching the reigning world champion in action in the free skate program, aiming for his first individual gold.
It was then that Malinin under-rotated and stepped out of some quad jumps, lost control on landings, and made several other errors. He finished 15th in the free skate and eighth overall, breaking down in tears in front of a packed arena. The reigning U.S. Figure Skating champion later cited the weight of expectations and past experiences as having created a mental block.
In an interview with Today, Biles revealed that she reached out to Malinin soon after and reassured him that everything would be fine, as she completely understood what he was going through.
“I’ve sent him messages on Instagram as well, obviously, it’s all been private, because I know what he’s going through, and I know most athletes might not be able to relate, and it’s really, really hard to watch.”
The ‘Quad God’ recently acknowledged the support he received from Biles, and how ‘unfathomable’ it felt. He said:
“I mean, hearing it from Simone Biles, you can’t, you know, I can’t fathom that. You can’t just go up to her and in person say, you know, ‘I’ve talked to Simone Biles.’ Like, that’s kind of, that’s a crazy whole other level, and the fact that she came up to me and, talked about what she’s gone through, and she was even watching me compete…It gives me love and why I love the sport and do what I do.”
READ MORE: What’s Next For Ilia Malinin? Will He Make Another Appearance At the Winter Olympics?
Malinin recently shared an Instagram post featuring his winning moments and glimpses of his heartbreak. He penned a short but powerful message about the silent battles athletes face every day beneath their tough exterior, and how, when it is time for them to shine, the fear and hatred from the online world flash before them on stage and weigh heavily on them.
The Virginia-born was the first figure skater to execute a fully rotated quadruple Axel and has earned two World titles and four National titles, among other honors, in his 10-year skating career.
