In the modern world, there are plenty of ways for people to dish out hate without even having to stand by their words.
Ilia Malinin, the Team USA figure skating superstar, is experiencing that online in the days following his heartbreaking Olympics performance in the men’s free skate.
Malinin entered last Friday in prime position to win the gold medal. But multiple falls later, he didn’t even stay on the podium.
Now, Malinin has posted on Instagram to share some of what he’s been going through.
“On the world’s biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside,” Malinin wrote. “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.”
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The post shows both happy moments and sad moments from Malinin’s figure skating career.
“It all builds up as these moments flash before your eyes, resulting in an inevitable crash,” he also wrote in the post. “This is that version of the story.”
Malinin included a date, too, Feb. 21, 2026.
That’s when the Olympics figure skating exhibition gala will be held in Italy, and although Malinin didn’t medal, he’s been reported as a participant.
It’ll be a chance for him to show off his ability in a low-pressure situation.
But make no mistake — Malinin is a competitor, and he’ll be back stronger than ever in four years after how this competition ended for him.
