Ilia Malinin's Bold Gala Skate
Figure skater Ilia Malinin's performance at the Olympics gala drew attention for its bold artistic message, skating to "Is this what you wanted?"—an apparent response to mounting public and media expectations during the high-pressure Games. Both Malinin and Alysa Liu will take the ice again tonight for the exhibition gala.
- Before the individual competition, Ilia Malinin was a two-time reigning world champion and was undefeated for more than two seasons, making him the heavy favorite for the gold medal. He contributed to a U.S. gold in the team event but placed eighth in the men's singles competition after a difficult free skate. - For the gala, Malinin skated to the song "Fear" by American rapper NF, a choice that reflected his feelings about the pressure and media scrutiny he faced at the Games. He stated the performance was an "emotional piece" and a way to show the world that skaters are "human beings" with real feelings. - The choreography directly referenced the pressures of social media and public expectation, with Malinin pretending to scroll on a phone, flinching from imaginary camera flashes, and pulling the hood of his sweatshirt over his head. The routine ended with him simulating putting on headphones, followed by silence. - Known as the "Quad God," Malinin is the first and only skater in history to have landed the notoriously difficult quadruple Axel in competition, a feat that contributed to the immense expectations placed upon him. - The performance also included highly athletic elements, such as a quadruple jump and his signature one-footed backflip, which drew a standing ovation from the crowd. - The exhibition gala is a non-competitive, invitation-only showcase for the top medalists and fan favorites of the Olympic Games. The format allows for creative freedom, as skaters are not bound by technical scoring or rules. - In contrast to Malinin's struggles in the individual event, his U.S. teammate Alysa Liu won the women's singles gold medal, becoming the first American woman to do so since 2002.
