Ilia Malinin's Bleak Social Media Post Reveals Mental Health Struggles After Olympic Collapse
Figure skating phenom Ilia Malinin has hinted at severe internal turmoil in a concerning social media post, framing his catastrophic performance in the men's Olympic figure skating final as an "inevitable crash." The 21-year-old, who was heavily favored to win gold, plummeted from first to eighth place after a disastrous free skate last week, marking his first competition defeat in years.
A Disturbing Video Message
On Monday, Malinin shared a video on Instagram that juxtaposed clips of his career triumphs with repeated shots of him burying his head in his hands. The accompanying caption painted a grim picture of his mental state. "On the world's biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside," he wrote.
He elaborated on the psychological toll, stating, "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. It all builds up as these moments flash before your eyes, resulting in an inevitable crash."
The post concluded with the cryptic line, "This is that version of the story. Coming February 21, 2026." This date is believed to reference his reported upcoming appearance at the skating exhibition gala this Saturday during the Milan Cortina Games.
The Aftermath of Olympic Disappointment
Malinin's agony over failing to meet sky-high expectations appears profound and persistent. In the men's final, his performance was erratic; he fell twice, effectively sealing his defeat. Immediately afterward, he was heard attributing his collapse to being left off the 2022 Olympic team in Beijing, while also engaging in harsh self-criticism. "I blew it," he admitted.
He described the overwhelming pressure, saying, "The nerves just went, so overwhelming. I just felt like all the traumatic moments of my life really just started flooding my head. So many negative thoughts that flooded into there, and I could not handle it."
In the days following the competition, Malinin, who contributed to the U.S. team's gold medal in the team event, reposted an alarming TikTok message that read, "Sometimes I wish something bad would just happen to me so I don't have to do it myself."
Promoting the Gala in Bleak Fashion
Despite his reported participation in the skating exhibition gala on Saturday, Malinin promoted it in a notably somber manner through his Instagram post. The video and caption suggest his struggles extend beyond the ice, highlighting the intense psychological challenges faced by elite athletes under global scrutiny.
Mental Health Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health distress, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Additional local mental health and crisis resources can be found at dontcallthepolice.com. For support outside the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
